COZEN Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'cozen' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cozen are cheat , defraud , and swindle . While all these words mean "to get something by dishonesty or deception," cozen implies artful persuading or flattering to attain a thing or a purpose. // always able to cozen her grandfather out of a few dollars

Q: Where would 'cheat' be a reasonable alternative to 'cozen'?

The words cheat and cozen can be used in similar contexts, but cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation. // cheated me out of a dollar

Q: When would 'defraud' be a good substitute for 'cozen'?

In some situations, the words defraud and cozen are roughly equivalent. However, defraud stresses depriving one of his or her rights and usually connotes deliberate perversion of the truth. // defrauded of her inheritance by an unscrupulous lawyer

Q: When can 'swindle' be used instead of 'cozen'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cozen , swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence. // swindled of their savings by con artists

cozen

verb

ˈkə-zən

Definition of cozen

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue cozened several elderly ladies into believing that he was intending marriage

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to cheat

to rob by the use of trickery or threats cozened scores of people by persuading them to hand over funds that he would "invest"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the verb cozen contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cozen are cheat, defraud, and swindle. While all these words mean "to get something by dishonesty or deception," cozen implies artful persuading or flattering to attain a thing or a purpose.

always able to cozen her grandfather out of a few dollars

Where would cheat be a reasonable alternative to cozen?

The words cheat and cozen can be used in similar contexts, but cheat suggests using trickery that escapes observation.

cheated me out of a dollar

When would defraud be a good substitute for cozen?

In some situations, the words defraud and cozen are roughly equivalent. However, defraud stresses depriving one of his or her rights and usually connotes deliberate perversion of the truth.

defrauded of her inheritance by an unscrupulous lawyer

When can swindle be used instead of cozen?

While in some cases nearly identical to cozen, swindle implies large-scale cheating by misrepresentation or abuse of confidence.

swindled of their savings by con artists

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of cozen The point, however, is not to entertain the driver/employee but to cozen the owner. — Dan Neil, WSJ, 19 Dec. 2017

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cozen

Verb

Part of the robot’s training was to handle situations in which its handlers have deliberately deceived it.

— Jim Edwards, Fortune, 6 July 2026
With or without Balogun, the co-host will be feeling confident against a Belgium team that has flattered to deceive in this tournament so far.

— David Hickey, NBC news, 6 July 2026

Definition of deceive

Verb

The American grandmaster shed some light on his mindset following Kramnik’s cheating accusations in a livestream prior to his death, according to the Associated Press.

— Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
Trump has also continued to claim Democrats are trying to rig or cheat in the upcoming election, remarks that have faced rebukes from members of his own party.

— Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

Definition of cheat

Verb

Don’t be fooled by their jaw-dropping price; the flats boast a luxe look thanks to their low profile and—of course—glove silhouette.

— Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 3 July 2026
The fluffy blooms on mimosa trees (Albizia julibrissin) look pretty in pink, but don’t be fooled by their dainty appearance.

— Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 2 July 2026

Definition of fool

Verb

Patina Osaka’s ground-floor restaurant, P72, focuses on seasonal produce sourced nearby and plucked daily from the hotel’s urban garden.

— Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Eyebrows were being plucked into oblivion, bronzer was used in excess, and hair was parted deeply to one side.

— Lauren Alberti, Allure, 6 July 2026

Definition of pluck

Verb

These fraudulent sites often mimic legitimate stores or rank high in search results, tricking desperate consumers into buying non-existent AC units.

— Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
The revenge story saw Tucker's exes convincing Snow's Kate to trick the ladies' man into falling in love with her.

— Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026

Definition of trick

Verb

Significant stinging insect infestations like wasps and carpenter bees may also require a specialized plan that isn’t included in your general pest control service.

— Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.

— Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of sting

Verb

As artificial intelligence transforms the job market and rising living costs squeeze family budgets, the University of California system is making the case that its degrees remain valuable investments.

— Tarini Mehta, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Breweries may not have the budget or staff to create art and with rising costs squeezing small businesses, many breweries started to feature obvious generative AI art prominently as a way to talk about events or create content.

— Em Sauter, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026

Definition of squeeze

Verb

Finally at the front of the line to enter the national memorial, the Wheelers and the Lockes took their turn through security to hustle for a good spot near the stage.

— Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
He was hustled by Charlie Parker and was part of the American delegation at the inauguration of his good friend Nelson Mandela.

— Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026

Definition of hustle

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coyotes

cozen

cozenage

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“Cozen.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cozen. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of cozen

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