SUBTERFUGE Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'subterfuge' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subterfuge are deception , double-dealing , fraud , and trickery . While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end. // obtained the papers by subterfuge

Q: When could 'deception' be used to replace 'subterfuge'?

Although the words deception and subterfuge have much in common, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource. // magicians are masters of deception

Q: Where would 'double-dealing' be a reasonable alternative to 'subterfuge'?

The words double-dealing and subterfuge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude. // a go-between suspected of double-dealing

Q: When can 'fraud' be used instead of 'subterfuge'?

In some situations, the words fraud and subterfuge are roughly equivalent. However, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice. // indicted for fraud

Q: When is 'trickery' a more appropriate choice than 'subterfuge'?

The words trickery and subterfuge can be used in similar contexts, but trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat. // resorted to trickery to gain their ends

subterfuge

noun

ˈsəb-tər-ˌfyüj

Definition of subterfuge next

as in deception

the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end propagandists who use a kind of photographic subterfuge, superimposing one image on another to create a false "reality"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun subterfuge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subterfuge are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

When could deception be used to replace subterfuge?

Although the words deception and subterfuge have much in common, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to subterfuge?

The words double-dealing and subterfuge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When can fraud be used instead of subterfuge?

In some situations, the words fraud and subterfuge are roughly equivalent. However, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When is trickery a more appropriate choice than subterfuge?

The words trickery and subterfuge can be used in similar contexts, but trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Examples Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of subterfuge But as the film goes on, those idiosyncrasies reveal themselves to be more like a blend of subterfuge and pleasure, another way for Macrinus to hide his intentions behind a veil. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 22 Nov. 2024 Putin’s ties to social media What Putin lacks as a military leader, the former KGB secret agent makes up for in subterfuge. —

Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2024 When Lorraine’s cocoon of wealth begins to crack after Dot’s subterfuge, Wayne’s injuries, Roy’s threats, and Danish’s disappearance, Leigh centers the Queen of Debt’s humanizing concern. —

Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 17 Jan. 2024 Such a tradition is mere subterfuge for ensuring that elites, and not the public, decide what happens. —

Daniel Steinmetz-Jenkins, Foreign Affairs, 10 July 2017 See all Example Sentences for subterfuge

Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge

Noun

Langenberg’s sharp slider and 92-94 mph fastball lead a five-pitch mix, and his low arm slot adds some deception.

— Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
This democratization of deception tools means threats can come from anywhere—disgruntled employees, competitors or opportunistic individuals—not just sophisticated state actors or cybercrime rings.

— Joseph Ours, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025