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Definition of grifter

grifter

/ˈɡrɪf.tɚ/
grift · er
Plural:grifters
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grifter Lexical Profile

grifter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who engages in petty or small-scale swindling, deception, or confidence tricks to obtain money dishonestly.

Example

"The documentary exposed how the charismatic grifter convinced dozens of investors to fund a nonexistent technology company."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for grifter

• Rhymes for grifter

• Nearby Words

griffin
griffon
grift
grifter
grill
grille
griller

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in early 20th-century American English slang, likely as an alteration of 'grafter' (one who engages in corrupt practices or graft), originally used in carnival and circus argot.

Cite this Entry

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