as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
identity theft has become one of the most frequent and feared swindles of our time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
hundreds of people were swindled out of their savings, and all they had to show for it were fake land deeds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of swindle
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
28 Jan. 2026
Yusuf was charged with one count of racketeering and six counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in June 2024 in connection with fraudulent claims submitted by Promise Health Services to Medicaid for reimbursement.
—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Nov. 2025
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
After over a decade of partnership, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is suing OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for more than $130 billion, alleging that Altman and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman swindled him and betrayed the company’s founding charitable mission.
—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swindle
Noun
As part of the swindle, McCabe promised to transfer the proceeds from the sale of the yacht to the victim, who according to court filings was a widower who had no family support.
—
Sean Emery,
Oc Register,
28 Jan. 2026
Yusuf was charged with one count of racketeering and six counts of aiding and abetting theft by swindle in June 2024 in connection with fraudulent claims submitted by Promise Health Services to Medicaid for reimbursement.
—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Nov. 2025
Verb
His initial 37-count indictment accused him of swindling investors of tens of millions of dollars, lying to financial institutions to obtain funds to buy a luxury yacht and failing to pay millions in personal and payroll taxes.
—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
15 May 2026
After over a decade of partnership, Tesla CEO Elon Musk is suing OpenAI CEO Sam Altman for more than $130 billion, alleging that Altman and OpenAI cofounder Greg Brockman swindled him and betrayed the company’s founding charitable mission.
—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
27 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for swindle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swindle
Noun
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As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics and AI makes phishing attempts, impersonation scams and other attacks harder to spot, organizations can’t rely on annual compliance training alone.
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Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Verb
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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.
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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.
Verb
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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.
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Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.
Verb
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Patina Osaka’s ground-floor restaurant, P72, focuses on seasonal produce sourced nearby and plucked daily from the hotel’s urban garden.
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Eyebrows were being plucked into oblivion, bronzer was used in excess, and hair was parted deeply to one side.
Verb
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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.
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He was hustled by Charlie Parker and was part of the American delegation at the inauguration of his good friend Nelson Mandela.
Verb
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According to court records, between July 2024 and August 2025, the brothers and unnamed co-conspirators orchestrated an identity theft ring that defrauded SNAP programs in New Jersey, Massachusetts, and other states.
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The charge alleges a person knowingly defrauded another by using false or misleading information to obtain money, property, credit or a loan.
Verb
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Part of the robot’s training was to handle situations in which its handlers have deliberately deceived it.
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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.
Cite this Entry
“Swindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swindle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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