double-dealing 1 of 2

1
as in fraudulent
marked by, based on, or done by the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value double-dealing business practices that are being investigated by the state's attorney general

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

2
3

double-dealing

2 of 2

noun

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun double-dealing differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of double-dealing are deception, fraud, subterfuge, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When might deception be a better fit than double-dealing?

The meanings of deception and double-dealing largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is fraud a more appropriate choice than double-dealing?

While in some cases nearly identical to double-dealing, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace double-dealing?

The synonyms subterfuge and double-dealing are sometimes interchangeable, but subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

When would trickery be a good substitute for double-dealing?

In some situations, the words trickery and double-dealing are roughly equivalent. However, trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of double-dealing
Noun
Mullen's righthand man, Roger Carlson (Jesse Plemons), was double-dealing with billionaire Robert Lyndon (Clark Gregg), who ultimately ordered a hit on him in Episode 4. Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2025 Through his double-dealing with the government, Carmine Falcone was Gotham’s top crime boss for over two decades, accruing massive wealth, political influence, and an elite status. Chris O'Falt, IndieWire, 21 Oct. 2024 While the Biden Administration seems to perceive Cambodia as an amenable partner, Manet is double-dealing Beijing and Washington. Sam Rainsy, TIME, 24 June 2024 Downey’s performance, equal parts subtly scented aftershave and snake oil, is a double-dealing marvel. Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 19 July 2023 Having a computer be the antagonistic heart of the film instead of a human baddie is a huge swing, though, and consequently this first of a two-part story line faces some narrative obstacles amid the usual face-swapping, double-dealing spycraft. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 5 July 2023 Dive into these series for the thrill of family backstabbing, corporate double-dealing or simply for the maladjusted — and wealthy and/or powerful — bringing out the worst in one another, typically (except for a few aspirational exceptions). Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 June 2023
Recent Examples of Synonyms for double-dealing
Adjective
  • The suit alleges that employees at the Novato branch were incentivized not to do anything to stop PFI’s fraudulent activity.
    Richard Halstead, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025
  • It is intended to streamline the removal of individuals deemed inadmissible under specific grounds, primarily for lacking proper documentation or for using fraudulent means to enter the country.
    Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Unlike the Arizona’s double buckle, this style is designed with an adjustable single strap.
    Nicol Natale, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Bernardo Kastrup, a double Ph.D. in Computer Engineering and Philosophy and former CERN scientist, has propounded this thinking and collaborated with leaders like Dr. Faggin.
    Carlo Tortora Brayda, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • False Hope And Fake Assurances Ransomware operators also exploit victims with false assurances, creating a deceptive sense of hope that there is a way to resolve the situation.
    Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • That’s the film’s greatest surprise, its secret deceptive pitch.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In the beginning, each player is secretly assigned as either a Faithful or a Traitor, setting the stage for an intense game of deception, strategy and survival.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 7 Mar. 2025
  • After weeks of treachery and deception, the final roundtable has been viewed, and the winner or winners for The Traitors Season 3 have been revealed.
    Armando Tinoco, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • Truth oaths are not just for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service but for many different companies that want to curb dishonest behavior or that ask employees to report information that is difficult to verify.
    IESE Business School, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Greta’s stealth revolution may look natural, but the change is weak and dishonest.
    Armond White, National Review, 5 Mar. 2025
Adjective
  • This fake news gave white authorities the pretense to quash Black organizing and control Black labor.
    Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made by History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
  • The reports that have gone viral on social media are fake news.
    Natasha Dye, People.com, 28 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Months of fighting the rape claims in federal court in NYC and failing to get the matter tossed out saw a lot of bitter finger pointing with claims of bribery, shady probes and lying from all sides, to varying degrees.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 3 Mar. 2025
  • And not in a shady way and not to tear her down as a person.
    Liza Esquibias, People.com, 3 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Much of the series’ pathos hinges on the growing schism between mother and son as Kanan begins to understand the horrors of Raq’s machinations and deceit (including tricking him into assassinating his biological father), leading him to try to go into business for himself.
    Robyn Bahr, The Hollywood Reporter, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Thirteen showed signs of possible deceit or suspicious activity.
    Donna McGuire, Ian Cummings, and Glenn E. Rice, Kansas City Star, 25 Feb. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Double-dealing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/double-dealing. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!