delude

verb

di-ˈlüd How to pronounce delude (audio)
Definition of deludenext
as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue we deluded ourselves into thinking that the ice cream wouldn't affect our diet

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb delude differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of delude are beguile, deceive, and mislead. While all these words mean "to lead astray or frustrate usually by underhandedness," delude implies deceiving so thoroughly as to obscure the truth.

we were deluded into thinking we were safe

When can beguile be used instead of delude?

The meanings of beguile and delude largely overlap; however, beguile stresses the use of charm and persuasion in deceiving.

was beguiled by false promises

When is it sensible to use deceive instead of delude?

The words deceive and delude can be used in similar contexts, but deceive implies imposing a false idea or belief that causes ignorance, bewilderment, or helplessness.

tried to deceive me about the cost

In what contexts can mislead take the place of delude?

While the synonyms mislead and delude are close in meaning, mislead implies a leading astray that may or may not be intentional.

I was misled by the confusing sign

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for delude
  1. deceive
  2. fool
  3. trick
Verb
  • But as, as the brilliant evolutionary psychologist Geoffrey Miller notes, our capacities to judge competence have evolved, so too have our capacities to deceive others about it.
    — Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • And Ken claims to be a man of faith but uses fake Uber accounts to meet his girlfriend and deceive his family.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of deceive
Verb
  • Then, as if anyone was fooled, the talk show host pulled off his hat, wig and snap-on nose and lip piercings and Sheeran pulled of his wig to reveal his signature carrot top to shouts of joy.
    — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But don't let the name fool you, Murderbot isn't actually the frightening story of a dangerous security robot.
    — Shania Russell, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of fool
Verb
  • Be Wary of Phishing Emails and Texts After a breach, scammers may impersonate the affected company to trick you into clicking malicious links.
    — Alex Vakulov, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • She was tricked by the very devilish Zeus, who broke his way into many marriages.
    — Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of trick
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Delphic
delude
deluded
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Cite this Entry

“Delude.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/delude. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of delude for Spanish Speakers

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