duplicitous

adjective

du̇-ˈpli-sə-təs How to pronounce duplicitous (audio)
Definition of duplicitousnext
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception warned her not to trust the duplicitous art dealer

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 duplicitous The more beautiful a woman, the more likely her exterior attributes displayed a duplicitous nature. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Even actors whose roles have limited scope, like Zendaya, Nyong’o, Hawkins and Mia Goth as Penelope’s duplicitous maid, register as vital presences. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 Nolan floats a convincing psychological reason why this Odysseus subconsciously believes his duplicitous actions during the war deserve permanent exile from civilization. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 The bigger problem, though, comes in a character played by Marion Cotillard, a duplicitous figure who takes over the reins of the film later. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicitous
  1. deceptive
  2. fraudulent
  3. shady
  4. dishonest
  5. crooked
Adjective
  • But several Theranos staffers and journalists say Holmes was frequently deceptive and would lie repeatedly, especially when confronted with facts.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • California and Hawaii, for example, are two states that have banned sharing deceptive AI content about candidates in the months around an election.
    — Jordi Calvet-Bademunt, The Conversation, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Federal authorities said her husband and several other individuals stole millions of dollars from the casino by creating fraudulent credit vouchers.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Malek also faces charges for allegedly submitting fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan applications in 2021.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • Many shady electronics companies are happy to sell you the wrong component for the wrong price.
    — Tim Stevens, ArsTechnica, 19 Oct. 2026
  • The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • The debate also took on an edgy, deeply personal tone, as the candidates repeatedly accused each other of being dishonest or misleading.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The other coach is dishonest and decides to strategically rank their players in a different order.
    — Dana Mackenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dishonest
Adjective
  • Finding no legal recourse in a city with a crooked police department and judiciary, Matt gives in to despair.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Others convicted in relation to the robbery included Brian Reader, a career criminal who was involved in other high-profile robberies before and after Brink’s-Mat, crooked solicitor Michael Relton, and McAvoy’s wife, Kathleen.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of crooked

Browse Nearby Words

duplicators
duplicitous
duplicity
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Cite this Entry

“Duplicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicitous. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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