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.

On the one hand, agents can be compromised by hackers to turn over data, typically through deceptive prompts or instructions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 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

She wrote that Hsiao’s assertions to the court were “at best, deceptive, if not intentionally and knowingly false.”

From Slate • May 18, 2026

Better move, he thought, and struck out for the hills, which, deceptive as the sound of the creek, were much farther away than they seemed.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison

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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