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Definitions

deception

[dih-sep-shuhn] / dɪˈsɛp ʃən /
NOUN
misleading; being dishonest
Synonyms
STRONGEST
betrayal deceit disinformation duplicity falsehood fraud hypocrisy lying mendacity treachery trickery untruth
STRONG
artifice beguilement blarney cheat circumvention cozenage craftiness cunning deceitfulness deceptiveness dissimulation double-dealing dupery equivocation flimflam fraudulence guile hokum imposition insincerity juggling legerdemain pretense prevarication sophism treason trickiness trumpery
WEAK
defraudation
Antonyms
STRONGEST
faithfulness forthrightness honesty loyalty sincerity truth
STRONG
openness
WEAK
frankness honor trustworthiness truthfulness uprightness
NOUN
trick
Synonyms
STRONGEST
cover-up fraud hoax illusion lie ruse scam subterfuge trick
STRONG
bluff boondoggle catch cheat chicane con decoy device dodge fallacy feint fib gimmick hogwash hustle imposture jive malarkey pretext ride sham shift shuck snare stall sting story stratagem swindle trap whitewash wile wrinkle
WEAK
bilk con game confidence game crock fast one fast shuffle mare's-nest snow job

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.

Hatley said no to both questions but showed the highest level of deception in both answers, according to an affidavit that Stafford later filed.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The CIA also carried out a deception operation to throw the Iranians off the airman’s track.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 5, 2026

The US intelligence agency the CIA helping to locate him and launched a "deception campaign" aimed at convincing Iranian authorities that he had already been found, the newspaper added.

From Barron's • Apr. 5, 2026

The CIA also ran a deception campaign, according to reports, spreading word inside Iran that US forces had already found the second airman.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

But for now, if she feels like she has to keep the deception going, I am hardly in a position to contradict her.

From "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black

Vocabulary lists containing deception

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 Crucible" -- Vocabulary from all 4 Acts

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!

Smoke and Mirrors: The Lingo of Illusion and Deception

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!