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Definitions

deceit

[dih-seet] / dɪˈsit /
NOUN
practice of misleading
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chicanery deception dishonesty duplicity fraud hypocrisy treachery trickery
STRONG
ambidexterity ambidextrousness artifice cheating chicane craft craftiness cunning deceitfulness dissimulation double-dealing fraudulence guile imposition pretense slyness trapping
WEAK
cozening defrauding dirty dealing dirty pool dissemblance entrapping overreaching smoke and mirrors two-facedness two-timing underhandedness
Antonyms
STRONGEST
fairness forthrightness frankness honesty openness sincerity trustworthiness truth truthfulness
STRONG
artlessness reality
WEAK
uprightness
NOUN
particular type of trick, misleading
Synonyms
STRONGEST
chicanery deception duplicity fraud hoax misrepresentation subterfuge
STRONG
artifice blind cheat fake feint flimflam fraudulence humbug imposture pretense ruse sell sellout sham shift spoof stratagem swindle trick whitewash wile
WEAK
crocodile tears dirty trick dirty work smoke and mirrors snow job soft soap sweet-talk
Antonyms
STRONGEST
forthrightness honesty openness trustworthiness truthfulness
STRONG
frankness reality truth
WEAK
uprightness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The deceit is either ameliorated or worsened by the obvious unreliability of Thomas’s testimony.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

His research ranged from the evolutionary dimension of human altruism to the logic of deceit and self-deception.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Palestinians said they feared the changes would lead to more pressure on individuals to sell, as well as acts of forgery and deceit.

From BBC • Feb. 9, 2026

Barrera co-stars as Michelle, a spy tangled in the web of deceit.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

She did not like to think of with what hardness of heart, what calculated weeping, what deceit, what cruelty she now went into battle with her aunt for her freedom.

From "Go Tell It on the Mountain" by James Baldwin

Vocabulary lists containing deceit

A Web of Lies

Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!

"The Hero’s Journey" and "Myths and Legends"

Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!

Chester Bennington (1976-2017) Tribute List

Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!