Definitions

deceitful

[dih-seet-fuhl] / dɪˈsit fəl /

ADJECTIVE

dishonest, insincere

Synonyms

STRONGEST

artful deceptive disingenuous duplicitous false fraudulent hypocritical misleading underhanded untrustworthy untruthful

WEAK

astucious astute beguiling clandestine counterfeit crafty cunning deceiving delusive delusory designing double-dealing fallacious feline foxy furtive guileful illusory impostrous indirect insidious knavish lying mendacious rascal roguish shifty slick sly sneaky stealthy subtle treacherous tricky two-faced underhand wily

Antonyms

STRONGEST

actual authentic forthright frank genuine honest ingenuous just naive open real reliable sincere truthful upright valid

WEAK

faithful loyal trustworthy

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.

Martin, a respected doctor, is charming, as handsome as “an Italian movie star” and sociopathically deceitful.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

And it’s gone along on the same trajectory with deceitful disclosures.

From Slate • Feb. 4, 2026

Vampires in movies, deceitful husbands in plays, corrupt elected officials in office — their survival depends on the masses not knowing the truth.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 26, 2025

"You’re talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist who’s made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again," he said.

From Salon • Mar. 25, 2025

“Earlier. The last time we tried to get to...wherever this is. He spoke in my mind and compared me to my mom. Called me deceitful like her. It was so weird.”

From "Aru Shah and the End of Time" by Roshani Chokshi

Vocabulary lists containing deceitful

Power Suffix: -ful

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Fake It 'Til You Make It: Synonyms for "False"

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Negative Words to Describe a Person

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