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.

An indie musician is accusing Spotify of engaging in “undisclosed, unfair, and deceptive business practices” that pay smaller artists less.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026

Plaintiffs in the class-action complaint allege Entrata’s business model is deceptive and misleading, which violates both the Credit Repair Organizations Act and the Colorado Credit Services Organization Act.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 2, 2026

It made multiple allegations against OpenAI including deceptive and unfair trade practices, negligence, violating product liability laws, fraudulent misrepresentation and causing a public nuisance.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

It’s a “little epicenter of maritime lawlessness,” said Michelle Bockmann, a maritime intelligence analyst at Windward, saying ships used a “smorgasbord of deceptive shipping tactics” to stay off authorities’ radars.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 28, 2026

Another “thought they might be deceptive spirits, disposed to make sport of us.”

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

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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