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

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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
  • Authorities also obtained assistance from multiple banks and reviewed security camera footage, financial records and body camera footage from previous investigations involving similar scams.
    — Sergio Candido, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Location information can also make a scam call more convincing.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of scam
Noun
  • Running errands and a real estate con What follows comes from the referee’s report and the probable cause affidavits after Morin and Corcoran’s arrests.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Spanning two continents, the show — based on an incredible true story — delves into what happens when what begins as a simple con turns into one of the largest cryptocurrency Ponzi schemes in history.
    — Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 7 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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