Synonyms for

Deceive

Verb / dɪˈsi:v / Another word for deceive — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to trick or lie to someone, making them believe something that is not true

Synonyms & similar words

leadastray delude undeceive cozen leadon betray trick mislead fool cheat betray con dupe hoodwink beguile delude bamboozle swindle defraud manipulate decoy entice tempt lure seduce

Synonyms by register

Formal

mislead delude dupe hoodwink

Informal

trick fool con scam bamboozle

Literary

beguile charlatan legerdemain

Antonyms

truthful honest reveal confess disclose avow frank

Common collocations

  • deceive someone
  • deceive the public
  • deceive the enemy
  • deceive the senses
  • deceive oneself
  • deceive with false pretenses
  • deceive into believing

Word family

noun deception
verb deceive
adjective deceptive
adverb deceptively

Usage note

Deceive implies intentionally causing someone to believe something false. It is a strong word often associated with serious dishonesty.

Example sentences

  1. She tried to deceive the teacher by copying from her friend's paper.
  2. The magician was able to deceive the audience with his tricks.
  3. He felt deceived by her false promises.
  4. The con artist was skilled at deceiving people out of their money.
  5. The spy's job was to deceive the enemy and gather information.

Quotes

  • The surest way to deceive oneself is to be convinced that one is imbued with a mission.
  • It is twice as hard to deceive ourselves as others.
  • Our own self is the most difficult thing to deceive.

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