Synonyms for

Deceptive

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

Definition

giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; misleading

Synonyms & similar words

shoddy misleading delusory misleading tricky dishonest fraudulent sneaky deceitful crafty shifty devious underhanded false treacherous beguiling deluding duplicative fallacious guileful manipulative sly two-faced

Synonyms by register

Formal

misleading fallacious specious untruthful

Informal

shady fishy tricky bogus

Literary

illusory phantasmal delusive

Antonyms

honest truthful genuine sincere frank open straightforward

Common collocations

  • deceptive practices
  • deceptive appearance
  • deceptive advertising
  • deceptive behavior
  • deceptive simplicity
  • deceptive ease
  • deceptive marketing

Word family

noun deception
verb deceive
adjective deceptive
adverb deceptively

Usage note

Deceptive implies an intention to mislead, often through a false appearance or representation. It carries a negative connotation.

Example sentences

  1. The deceptive advertisement made the product sound much better than it actually was.
  2. The thief used a deceptive disguise to steal the diamond.
  3. The politician's speech was full of deceptive promises.
  4. The spy's deceptive tactics helped him gather valuable information.
  5. The student's deceptive behavior got him into trouble with the teacher.

Quotes

  • The world is full of willing people; some willing to work, the rest willing to let them. - Robert Frost
  • Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day. - Jim Rohn
  • I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work. - Thomas A. Edison

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