Dictionary
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
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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>.
DECEITFULNESS Defined for Kids
deceitful
adjective de·ceit·ful \di-ˈsēt-fəl\
Definition of DECEITFUL for Kids
: not honest : full of deceit <deceitful advertising>
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