Synonyms for

Bluff

Verb / blʌf / Another word for bluff — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Bluff means to deceive or mislead someone by pretending to be stronger, smarter or more confident than you really are.

Synonyms & similar words

bold sheer fourflush bluffout deceive trick mislead deceive hoodwink cheat dupe hoax bamboozle fool delude con swindle misinform disinform perplex baffle puzzle

Synonyms by register

Formal

deceive mislead hoodwink dupe

Informal

fake out pull a fast one fool trick con

Literary

feign dissemble pretense

Antonyms

honesty candor truthfulness frankness openness sincerity

Common collocations

  • call someone's bluff
  • bluff your way through
  • a bold bluff
  • a clever bluff
  • call the bluff
  • bluff about
  • bluff past

Word family

noun bluff
verb bluff

Usage note

Often used in card games like poker to describe a deceptive tactic. Can also refer to a false display of strength or confidence.

Example sentences

  1. He tried to bluff his way past the security guard.
  2. She bluffed her way through the interview.
  3. He called her bluff and she had to admit she was lying.
  4. The poker player bluffed and won the hand.
  5. Don't try to bluff me, I know the truth.

Quotes

  • A bluff is a lie that is deemed to be harmless or even friendly.
  • A true gentleman is as polite to a little girl as to a woman.
  • The biggest bluff of all is the belief that there is no supernatural being.

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