Bluff: meaning, definitions and examples

This can also mean a steep cliff, usually by the sea or a river, unrelated to deception.

• We hiked up to the bluff to get a better view of the ocean.
• The house is perched on a bluff overlooking the river.

Used in situations that imply intentional misleading or deceit, often in a more serious or formal context. It often carries a negative connotation.

• The company's deception about the safety of their products led to a massive recall.
• His charming demeanor was a deception to hide his true intentions.

Describes actions aimed at misleading or deceiving, often in a clever or crafty way. It usually has a negative connotation.

• The magician's trickery left the audience in awe.
• The politician was accused of trickery to win votes.

Used to describe a situation where someone makes a claim or appearance that is false, pretending to be something they are not. It can be more formal or neutral in tone.

• She entered the party under the pretense of being an invited guest.
• His friendliness was just a pretense to get information from us.

Note that this is a repetition and should not be listed again.

Implies causing someone to believe something that is not true, often with a harmful intention. Has a more negative connotation.

• He tried to deceive her about his whereabouts
• The company was accused of deceiving its customers with false advertising

Typically used when someone is playing a prank or trying to fool someone in a playful or not seriously harmful way. Can also mean more serious deceit.

• He loves to trick his friends with magic tricks
• They were tricked into signing a bad contract

Used when someone is acting in a way to make others believe something that is not true. Often used in harmless or playful contexts but can also be more serious.

• The children pretended to be superheroes
• She pretended to be sick to avoid going to school