bunco

noun

ˈbəŋ-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce bunco (audio)
variants or bunko
Definition of bunconext
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value they were experts at that bunco, having fleeced wide-eyed tourists for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 bunco Similar games that bring friends together include bunco, poker, bridge, and rummikub. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026 The event includes bunco, lunch and a silent auction. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 The fact that Bosworth was the brains behind this whole caper shows you just how short of brains the whole Healey bunco operation is. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bunco
  1. scam
  2. con
Noun
  • Off-grid residents blur the line between housed and homeless, as county officials juggle lax enforcement, environmental damage, real estate scams and calls to legalize basic services such as addresses and trash pickup.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So how can consumers avoid scams and trust real organizations?
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scam
Noun
  • Rodney Ho talked to several couples who found lasting romance at the best con in the country.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Pros & cons 5% cash back rewards on category of choice each month for **Chime Prime members.
    — Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of con

Browse Nearby Words

bunching
bunco
buncos
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bunco.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bunco. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Vol. 2 Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All