Deception: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in general terms to describe the act of deceiving someone or hiding the truth. It can be used in various settings, from personal relationships to more formal situations like business.

• The magician's performance was full of clever deceptions
• She felt betrayed by his deception about his past

Generally refers to the lack of honesty, integrity, or truthfulness. It is a broad term that covers a range of behaviors including lying, cheating, and withholding the truth. This word has a negative connotation.

• Dishonesty in any form should not be tolerated
• Her dishonesty about the financial situation caused major issues

Mostly used in legal and financial contexts to describe deliberate deception for personal gain. This term is strictly negative and often implies criminal activity.

• He was arrested for committing tax fraud
• The company fell victim to a major fraud scheme

Typically used to emphasize deliberate misleading or cheating, often involving a long-term scheme or malicious intent. It often has a negative connotation.

• The deceit in his voice was unmistakable
• His plan was built on layers of deceit

Often used to describe playful or cunning actions designed to deceive in a more lighthearted or less serious manner. It can have a slightly mischievous tone, though it can still be negative if it causes harm.

• Her trickery during the game was impressive
• The children's trickery led to a harmless but funny situation

When someone intentionally makes another person believe something that is not true, often to gain an advantage or hide the truth. This word has a negative connotation.

• Her deception was uncovered when they found the fake documents.
• The magician's tricks were just innocent fun, but his partner's actions crossed the line into deception.

When referring to a situation that gives a false impression or is not as it seems, often related to visual tricks or misunderstandings.

• The picture on the wall created the illusion of a window.
• He had no illusions about the challenges that lay ahead.

A general term for an action or plan that is intended to deceive or surprise someone, can be either harmless fun or malicious.

• For Halloween, he played a trick on his friends by pretending to be a ghost.
• The card game was full of clever tricks to confuse the opponent.

Specifically used in the context of magic tricks and actions that deceive the eye, typically involving quick and skillful hand movements.

• The magician's sleight of hand left the audience amazed.
• She mastered sleight of hand to make the coin disappear.

Used when someone is intentionally trying to make others believe something that is not true. It's a general term that can apply to many different situations.

• She was hurt when she discovered his deception about his past.
• The con artist's deception was finally revealed.

Often used in magic shows or in scenarios where attention is deliberately diverted from the main point to conceal the truth.

• The magician's trick relied on misdirection to fool the audience.
• The politician's speech was a clever piece of misdirection.

Typically used in a military or wildlife context to describe the act of making something harder to see or recognize by changing its appearance.

• The soldiers used camouflage to blend into the forest.
• The chameleon’s ability to use camouflage helps it avoid predators.

Used to describe a deceitful plan or action used to achieve a goal, often in a secretive or dishonest manner. It has a slightly negative connotation.

• The company used subterfuge to hide its illegal activities.
• She resorted to subterfuge to gain access to the restricted area.