deceitful

adjective de·ceit·ful \-fəl\

: not honest : making or trying to make someone believe something that is not true

Full Definition of DECEITFUL

: having a tendency or disposition to deceive:

a : not honest <a deceitful child>

b : deceptive, misleading <deceitful advertising>

— de·ceit·ful·ly \-fə-lē\ adverb

— de·ceit·ful·ness noun

See deceitful defined for English-language learners

See deceitful defined for kids

First Known Use of DECEITFUL

15th century

Related to DECEITFUL

Synonyms: crooked, fraudulent, defrauding, dishonest, double-dealing, false

Antonyms: aboveboard, honest, truthful

Synonym Discussion of DECEITFUL

dishonest, deceitful, mendacious, untruthful mean unworthy of trust or belief. dishonest implies a willful perversion of truth in order to deceive, cheat, or defraud <a swindle usually involves two dishonest people>. deceitful usually implies an intent to mislead and commonly suggests a false appearance or double-dealing <the secret affairs of a deceitful spouse>. mendacious may suggest bland or even harmlessly mischievous deceit and when used of people often suggests a habit of telling untruths <mendacious tales of adventure>. untruthful stresses a discrepancy between what is said and fact or reality <an untruthful account of their actions>.

DECEITFULLY Defined for Kids