English Synonyms for Duplicity and Deceit Vocabulary Words – Online Quiz!

cahoot (noun) /kəˈhut/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe a situation in which two or more individuals are working together in a secretive or conspiratorial way to achieve a mutual objective, often to the detriment of others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to cahoot?
Options: conspiracy; independence; autonomy; solitude
Answer: conspiracy
Synonyms: alliance; collusion; connivance; conspiracy; cooperation; machination; plot; scheming
Example: "They were suspected of being in cahoots with a rival company, sharing confidential information for mutual gain."

clandestine (adjective) /klanˈdɛstɪn/
Meaning: It can also describe something that is done covertly or surreptitiously, often in order to avoid detection or scrutiny.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to clandestine?
Options: secretive; open; public; overt
Answer: secretive
Synonyms: concealed; covert; furtive; hidden; private; secret; sly; sneaky; stealthy; surreptitious; unauthorized; undercover
Example: "They had a clandestine meeting in a remote location, away from prying eyes."

collusion (noun) /kəˈl(j)uːʒ(ə)n/
Meaning: It can also refer to a secret agreement or cooperation between two or more parties in order to deceive or cheat someone, typically for personal gain.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to collusion?
Options: conspiracy; honesty; integrity; independence
Answer: conspiracy
Synonyms: chicanery; collaboration; complicity; connivance; conspiracy; cooperation; deceit; duplicity; fraud; intrigue; machination; plotting
Example: "The government launched an investigation into suspected collusion between the two companies."

dastardly (adjective) /ˈdæstərdli/
Meaning: When someone engages in dastardly deeds, they typically exhibit a complete lack of moral or ethical principles, often resorting to deceit, treachery, or cruelty to achieve their goals.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to dastardly?
Options: cowardly; honorable; brave; noble
Answer: cowardly
Synonyms: contemptible; craven; despicable; gutless; mean; sneaky; spineless; spiritless; underhand
Example: "His dastardly act of betrayal left her heartbroken."

disingenuous (adjective) /ˌdɪs(ɪ)nˈdʒɛnjʊəs/
Meaning: Disingenuous means insincere or not straightforward.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to disingenuous?
Options: insincere; genuine; sincere; honest
Answer: insincere
Synonyms: contrived; crafty; deceitful; devious; dishonest; dissembling; duplicitous; false; feigned; hypocritical; insincere; misleading
Example: "His disingenuous apology, filled with excuses and lacking sincerity, rang hollow to those he had wronged."

eavesdrop (verb) /ˈiːvzdrɒp/
Meaning: It is often done surreptitiously, with the intent of gathering information or gaining an advantage.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to eavesdrop?
Options: spy; ignore; disregard; overlook
Answer: spy
Synonyms: bug; earwig; monitor; overhear; pry; snoop; spy; surveil; wiretap
Example: "I often eavesdrop on the birds chirping in the morning."

fabricate (verb) /ˈfabrɪkeɪt/
Meaning: When someone 'fabricates' something, they construct it in a way that is not based on truth or reality, instead relying on imagination, falsehoods, or false information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fabricate?
Options: invent; tell truth; be honest; be factual
Answer: invent
Synonyms: concoct; contrive; counterfeit; craft; devise; fake; falsify; forge; invent; manufacture
Example: "She was accused of attempting to fabricate evidence in the case."

fraudulent (adjective) /ˈfrɔːdjʊlənt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe actions or behavior that involve dishonesty, deceit, or trickery.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to fraudulent?
Options: deceitful; honest; truthful; genuine
Answer: deceitful
Synonyms: bogus; counterfeit; dishonest; fake; forged; phony; sham; spurious; unscrupulous
Example: "His elaborate fraudulent scheme, involving forged documents and fictitious companies, was finally exposed by investigators."

furtive (adjective) /ˈfəːtɪv/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe people who have a sneaky or guilty appearance.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to furtive?
Options: secretive; open; honest; transparent
Answer: secretive
Synonyms: clandestine; covert; hidden; secretive; skulking; slinking; sly; sneaking; stealthy; surreptitious
Example: "She had a furtive look in her eyes as she slipped out of the room."

glib (adjective) /ɡlɪb/
Meaning: The term comes from the Middle English word "glibbe" which means "smooth-tongued" or "slippery.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to glib?
Options: slick; sincere; heartfelt; genuine
Answer: slick
Synonyms: artful; articulate; eloquent; facile; fluent; insincere; loquacious; persuasive; plausible; slick; slippery; suave
Example: "He was criticized for his glib response to a serious question."

guile (noun) /ɡʌɪl/
Meaning: It is a subtle, clever or tricky behavior that is intended to deceive or outwit someone.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to guile?
Options: cunning; honesty; straightforwardness; sincerity
Answer: cunning
Synonyms: artifice; canniness; craftiness; cunning; deceit; deception; deviousness; duplicity; foxiness; ingenuity; shrewdness; slyness
Example: "He used guile and deception to win the game."

hypocrisy (noun) /hɪˈpɒkrəsi/
Meaning: It is the act of pretending to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to hypocrisy?
Options: duplicity; sincerity; genuineness; honesty
Answer: duplicity
Synonyms: artificiality; dishonesty; dissembling; duplicity; falsity; insincerity; pretense; sanctimoniousness
Example: "The politician's hypocrisy was evident when he criticized his opponent for the same behavior he had been engaging in."

insidious (adjective) /ɪnˈsɪdɪəs/
Meaning: It can refer to an action or a plan that is intended to trap or deceive someone and it can also refer to an illness that progresses slowly and undetectably.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to insidious?
Options: stealthy; overt; harmless; benign
Answer: stealthy
Synonyms: crafty; cunning; deceitful; deceptive; devious; dishonest; guileful; Machiavellian; scheming; sly; sneaky; stealthy
Example: "The insidious effects of air pollution on health are often underestimated."

invasive (adjective) /ɪnˈveɪsɪv/
Meaning: Invasive species, for example, are non-native plants or animals that are introduced into an ecosystem and quickly begin to spread and displace native species.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to invasive?
Options: intrusive; welcome; respectful; unobtrusive
Answer: intrusive
Synonyms: disruptive; encroaching; impinging; incursive; infiltrating; interloping; intrusive; meddling; obtrusive; penetrating; trespassing; unwanted
Example: "The invasive species threaten the balance of our local ecosystems."

malign (adjective) /məˈlʌɪn/
Meaning: When something is characterized as malign, it implies a deliberate and often secretive attempt to hurt or undermine others, whether through actions, words, or intentions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malign?
Options: harmful; benign; beneficial; kind
Answer: harmful
Synonyms: cruel; hateful; hostile; malevolent; malicious; malignant; nasty; spiteful; vicious
Example: "His malign smile betrayed a malevolent intent, sowing chaos."

malinger (verb) /məˈlɪŋɡə/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is pretending to be sick or injured in order to shirk their duties or obligations.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to malinger?
Options: shirk; toil; work hard; exert
Answer: shirk
Synonyms: avoid; dodge; evade; fake; idle; lazy; loaf; pretend; shirk; skive; truant
Example: "The employee was caught trying to malinger in order to get out of a work project."

mendacious (adjective) /mɛnˈdeɪʃəs/
Meaning: It is often used to describe people who lie or mislead others on a regular basis, either for personal gain or to manipulate a situation in their favor.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to mendacious?
Options: deceitful; truthful; honest; sincere
Answer: deceitful
Synonyms: deceitful; deceptive; dishonest; disingenuous; duplicitous; erroneous; false; fibbing; fraudulent; insincere; lying; mendicant
Example: "The politician's mendacious statements during the campaign raised doubts about his integrity."

misinformation (noun) /ˌmɪsɪnfəˈmeɪʃn/
Meaning: It is distinct from disinformation, which refers to the deliberate spread of false information.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to misinformation?
Options: falsehood; truth; fact; accuracy
Answer: falsehood
Synonyms: deceit; deception; defamation; disinformation; distortions; fabrication; fallacy; falsehood; fib; fiction; lie; mendacity
Example: "The spreading of misinformation on social media is becoming a growing concern."

peculate (verb) /ˈpɛkjʊleɪt/
Meaning: This can include taking money from a company, organization, or government agency, or misappropriating funds that belong to an individual or group.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to peculate?
Options: embezzle; return; safeguard; protect
Answer: embezzle
Synonyms: appropriate; arrogate; defraud; expropriate; loot; pilfer; purloin; rob; snatch; usurp
Example: "The corrupt official attempted to peculate public funds for personal gain."

perfidious (adjective) /pəˈfɪdɪəs/
Meaning: It can be used to describe a person who is unfaithful or who repeatedly violates their obligations or promises, or an action that is deceitful or dishonest.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to perfidious?
Options: treacherous; loyal; faithful; trustworthy
Answer: treacherous
Synonyms: backstabbing; betraying; deceitful; deceptive; dishonest; disloyal; duplicitous; faithless; false; fickle; traitorous; treacherous
Example: "He was accused of being perfidious, as he had betrayed the trust of his colleagues."

pernicious (adjective) /pəˈnɪʃəs/
Meaning: It implies a negative effect that is not always immediately apparent, but which can cause serious problems over time.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pernicious?
Options: destructive; beneficial; harmless; healthy
Answer: destructive
Synonyms: adverse; damaging; dangerous; devastating; hurtful; malicious; nefarious; toxic; wicked
Example: "The pernicious spread of misinformation was a concern for public health officials."

pestilent (adjective) /ˈpɛstɪlənt/
Meaning: The term is often used to describe epidemics or pandemics that have devastating effects on human populations, as well as the living conditions or environments that facilitate the spread of such diseases.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to pestilent?
Options: deadly; harmless; safe; beneficial
Answer: deadly
Synonyms: dangerous; detrimental; fatal; injurious; lethal; pernicious; poisonous; terminal; toxic; vicious
Example: "The pestilent mosquito buzzed around my ear all night."

phony (adjective) /ˈfəʊni/
Meaning: When we characterize something as phoney, we emphasize its lack of authenticity and the pretense or falseness associated with it.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to phony?
Options: fraudulent; genuine; authentic; real
Answer: fraudulent
Synonyms: affected; bogus; counterfeit; ersatz; fake; false; feigned; forged; imitation; sham; spurious
Example: "His accent was phoney and it was clear he was not from the country he claimed to be."

prevaricate (verb) /prɪˈvarɪkeɪt/
Meaning: It is often used to describe someone who is not straightforward or honest in their communication, and who avoids giving a clear or direct answer to a question or statement.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to prevaricate?
Options: evade; be direct; be straightforward; clarify
Answer: evade
Synonyms: cavil; deceive; distort; dodge; equivocate; evade; fabricate; hedge; lie; quibble
Example: "It's frustrating when people prevaricate instead of giving straightforward answers."

profligate (adjective) /ˈprɒflɪɡət/
Meaning: It can also be used to describe a person who engages in morally or socially unacceptable behavior, such as excessive drinking, gambling, or promiscuity.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to profligate?
Options: wasteful; thrifty; economical; frugal
Answer: wasteful
Synonyms: decadent; dissipated; dissolute; extravagant; immoral; improvident; imprudent; lavish; licentious; prodigal; reckless; spendthrift
Example: "He was known for his profligate spending habits and lavish lifestyle."

quisling (noun) /ˈkwɪzlɪŋ/
Meaning: A quisling is a person who collaborates with an enemy occupation force, particularly one who collaborates with an invading force that has taken control of their country.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to quisling?
Options: traitor; loyalist; patriot; faithful
Answer: traitor
Synonyms: backstabber; betrayer; collaborator; conspirator; defector; deserter; infiltrator; informer; Judas; renegade; traitor; turncoat
Example: "He was accused of being a quisling, a traitor to his country."

renege (verb) /rɪˈniːɡ
Meaning: When someone reneges on an obligation, they fail to fulfill their end of the bargain or go back on their word, which can have negative consequences for the parties involved.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to renege?
Options: backtrack; honor; keep; uphold
Answer: backtrack
Synonyms: backpedal; backtrack; default; recall; recant; repudiate; retract; reverse; withdraw
Example: "He's known for his tendency to renege on promises, causing frustration."

skullduggery (noun) /skʌlˈdʌɡ(ə)ri/
Meaning: It describes actions that are considered underhanded or sneaky, and is often used to describe behavior that is illegal or unethical.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to skullduggery?
Options: trickery; honesty; integrity; straightforwardness
Answer: trickery
Synonyms: deceit; trickery; fraud; chicanery; deception; duplicity; cheating; slyness; guile
Example: "The company was accused of skullduggery in their business practices."

sociopath (noun) /ˈsəʊʃɪə(ʊ)paθ/
Meaning: They often show a lack of empathy, guilt, or remorse for their actions.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sociopath?
Options: psychopath; empath; altruist; humanitarian
Answer: psychopath
Synonyms: aberrant; amoral; antisocial; deviant; immoral; psychopath; schizoid; unscrupulous
Example: "She was suspected of being a sociopath due to her lack of empathy."

spurious (adjective) /ˈspjʊərɪəs/
Meaning: The adjective 'Spurious' is used to describe something that is A spurious claim or argument may be presented as if it is true, but lacks evidence or validity, and may be intended to mislead or manipulate others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to spurious?
Options: false; genuine; authentic; real
Answer: false
Synonyms: artificial; bogus; contrived; feigned; forged; fraudulent; imitation; phony; pretended; sham
Example: "The study was later found to be spurious and its results were discredited."

sully (verb) /ˈsʌli/
Meaning: When something is 'sullied,' it suggests that it has been negatively affected or damaged in some way, often by actions or influences that compromise its integrity or good standing.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to sully?
Options: defile; purify; cleanse; sanctify
Answer: defile
Synonyms: blemish; contaminate; defile; dirty; discolor; mar; pollute; smirch; soil; spoil; stain; taint
Example: "Gossip can sully a person's reputation, spreading falsehoods."

tainted (adjective) /teɪnt/
Meaning: When something is labeled as tainted, it implies that its purity, integrity, or quality has been compromised in some way.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tainted?
Options: contaminated; pure; unspoiled; pristine
Answer: contaminated
Synonyms: defiled; diluted; dirtied; impaired; impure; polluted; soiled; sullied; thinned; weakened
Example: "The food was recalled due to a tainted ingredient that caused food poisoning."

tarnish (verb) /ˈtɑːnɪʃ/
Meaning: When one 'tarnishes' something, they engage in actions or behaviors that lead to a loss of esteem or quality.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to tarnish?
Options: blemish; honor; enhance; elevate
Answer: blemish
Synonyms: blemish; damage; degrade; distort; impair; muddy; smear; spoil; stain; sully; taint
Example: "The company's unethical practices have tarnished its image in the public eye."

traduce (verb) /trəˈdjuːs/
Meaning: It is commonly used to describe the act of speaking or writing about someone or something in a way that is intended to harm, defame or malign them.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to traduce?
Options: defame; praise; compliment; honor
Answer: defame
Synonyms: decry; defame; denigrate; deprecate; detract; disparage; malign; revile; slander; smear; vilify
Example: "He sought to traduce the reputation of his political opponent with false accusations."

treacherous (adjective) /ˈtrɛtʃ(ə)rəs/
Meaning: In this sense, it signifies a lack of loyalty or a willingness to harm or deceive others, often for personal gain or hidden motives.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to treacherous?
Options: deceitful; trustworthy; loyal; reliable
Answer: deceitful
Synonyms: deceitful; disloyal; faithless; perfidious; traitorous; unfaithful; unreliable; untrustworthy
Example: "His treacherous betrayal shattered trust beyond repair."

wangle (verb) /ˈwaŋɡl/
Meaning: When someone "wangles" something, they use their skills, knowledge, or influence to achieve a desired outcome without following the usual rules or procedures.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to wangle?
Options: finagle; play straight; be honest; straightforward
Answer: finagle
Synonyms: arrange; contrive; engineer; fiddle; finagle; machinate; manage; negotiate; plot; scheme
Example: "To secure the contract, we need to wangle a meeting with the CEO."

wily (adjective) /ˈwʌɪli/
Meaning: When we characterize someone as wily, we emphasize their ability to think and act shrewdly, often with a keen awareness of how to outsmart others.
Find the synonym: Which option is closest in meaning to wily?
Options: cunning; naive; straightforward; honest
Answer: cunning
Synonyms: calculating; canny; crafty; devious; disingenuous; guileful; scheming; sharp; shrewd; sly
Example: "The wily fox was always able to elude the farmer's traps."