DECEIVE Synonyms: 73 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'deceive' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile , delude , and mislead . While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness. // tried to deceive me about the cost

Q: In what contexts can 'beguile' take the place of 'deceive'?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving. // was beguiled by false promises

Q: When is 'delude' a more appropriate choice than 'deceive'?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth. // we were deluded into thinking we were safe

Q: When is it sensible to use 'mislead' instead of 'deceive'?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional. // I was misled by the confusing sign

deceive

verb

di-ˈsēv

Definition of deceive

as in to fool

to cause to believe what is untrue he went to great lengths to deceive his family about the nature of his new job at the mall

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How does the verb deceive differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of deceive are beguile, delude, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can beguile take the place of deceive?

Although the words beguile and deceive have much in common, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is delude a more appropriate choice than deceive?

While the synonyms delude and deceive are close in meaning, delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When is it sensible to use mislead instead of deceive?

The words mislead and deceive can be used in similar contexts, but mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

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 deceive Here, however, the joke is that appearances can be deceiving — or to be more specific, that trying to act like a character in a movie is a reckless, unwise thing to do. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 26 June 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 Those figures, though, are a bit deceiving; infant and childhood mortality dragged them down dramatically. — Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 30 June 2026 In the second half, the Paraguayan then deceived the Uzbek referee Ilgiz Tantashev into a yellow card for Michael Olise. — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for deceive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for deceive

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

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

Federal prosecutors alleged Holmes knowingly misrepresented the capabilities of Theranos technology and misled investors about the company's financial condition, partnerships, and laboratory capabilities.

— Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026
There will be concerts, but only certain artists need apply — most of those originally booked have already walked out, saying they were misled about the event’s political affiliations.

— Otis Moss III, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

Definition of mislead

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deceivable

deceive

deceived

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“Deceive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deceive. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of deceive

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