Definitions

deceptive

[dih-sep-tiv] / dɪˈsɛp tɪv /

ADJECTIVE

dishonest

Synonyms

STRONGEST

ambiguous deceitful disingenuous false fraudulent misleading slick sneaky subtle tricky underhanded unreliable

WEAK

astucious beguiling bum catchy crafty cunning deceiving deluding delusive delusory designing fake fallacious fishy foxy illusory imposturous indirect insidious lying mock oblique off phony plausible rascal roguish scheming seeming serpentine shifty slippery sly snide specious spurious treacherous two-faced underhand wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

aboveboard forthright frank genuine honest open real reliable sincere true trustworthy truthful valid

WEAK

upright

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 lawsuit describes deceptive financial dealings by Dan and Lisa Bohm that began shortly after the Phillies paid Bohm a $5.85 million signing bonus in 2018 and continued for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026

“I guess it’s on brand for Anthropic doublespeak to use a deceptive ad to critique theoretical deceptive ads that aren’t real,” Altman posted on X.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 7, 2026

The commission also said that X's breaches included the deceptive design of its "blue checkmark" for supposedly verified accounts, and its failure to provide access to public data for researchers.

From Barron's • Feb. 20, 2026

“By Design” cleverly drapes its thematic thorns in ornate production design and costuming, making its emotional impact all the more deceptive.

From Salon • Feb. 18, 2026

Despite his good looks, he isn’t known for being charming, probably because he’s Candor, and they see charm as deceptive.

From "Insurgent" by Veronica Roth

Vocabulary lists containing deceptive

Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

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Essential English Vocabulary, List 2

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Red Kayak

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