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Definition of deceptive

deceptive

/dɪˈsɛptɪv/
de · cep · tive
Adverb:deceptively
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deceptive Lexical Profile

deceptive Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Giving an appearance or impression different from the true one; tending or intended to mislead or trick.

Example

"The company was fined heavily by regulators for using deceptive advertising practices."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deceptive
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deceptive

Word Nuance & Usage

'Deceptive' often applies to things that mislead unintentionally (e.g., 'deceptive appearances'), whereas 'deceitful' almost always implies a person's deliberate, dishonest intent to trick others.

• Rhymes for deceptive

• Nearby Words

decentralize
decentralized
deception
deceptive
deceptively
deceptiveness
decertification

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French 'deceptif', from Late Latin 'deceptivus', derived from the past participle stem of Latin 'decipere' ('to ensnare, cheat, or beguile'), from 'de-' ('away, from') + 'capere' ('to take or catch').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deceptive. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deceptive
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