duplicitous

adjective

du̇-ˈpli-sə-təs How to pronounce duplicitous (audio)
Definition of duplicitousnext
as in deceptive
given to or marked by cheating and deception warned her not to trust the duplicitous art dealer

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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 duplicitous The more beautiful a woman, the more likely her exterior attributes displayed a duplicitous nature. — Literary Hub, 23 July 2026 Even actors whose roles have limited scope, like Zendaya, Nyong’o, Hawkins and Mia Goth as Penelope’s duplicitous maid, register as vital presences. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 15 July 2026 Nolan floats a convincing psychological reason why this Odysseus subconsciously believes his duplicitous actions during the war deserve permanent exile from civilization. — Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 15 July 2026 The bigger problem, though, comes in a character played by Marion Cotillard, a duplicitous figure who takes over the reins of the film later. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for duplicitous
Recent Examples of Synonyms for duplicitous
  1. deceptive
  2. fraudulent
  3. shady
  4. dishonest
  5. crooked
Adjective
  • The Idaho Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 1971, protects consumers from false, deceptive or misleading representations, advertising, pricing and contracts.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 14 Oct. 2026
  • What Apple says about suspicious iMessages Apple says this type of deceptive messaging uses social engineering, a tactic in which scammers rely on impersonation and manipulation to persuade people to share personal information.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of deceptive
Adjective
  • Philadelphia police are also working with GoFundMe to prevent fraudulent fundraisers, the department said in a post on Facebook.
    — Laura Fay, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Dispute fraudulent charges and accounts, follow up on your identity theft report and request that fraudulent information be removed from your credit reports.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of fraudulent
Adjective
  • The fake image was attention-grabbing, shady, and timely — in other words, perfect for social media virality but a potential liability for the parties involved.
    — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026
  • If weather permits, be sure to dine at Oliveto Restaurant & Lounge Bar, which sits beneath a shady grove of trees and overlooks the pool and vineyard.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of shady
Adjective
  • The debate also took on an edgy, deeply personal tone, as the candidates repeatedly accused each other of being dishonest or misleading.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The other coach is dishonest and decides to strategically rank their players in a different order.
    — Dana Mackenzie, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of dishonest
Adjective
  • Others convicted in relation to the robbery included Brian Reader, a career criminal who was involved in other high-profile robberies before and after Brink’s-Mat, crooked solicitor Michael Relton, and McAvoy’s wife, Kathleen.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Oct. 2026
  • For now, the crooked finger stays, and so does the jumper that comes with it.
    — Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 1 Oct. 2026
Definition of crooked

Browse Nearby Words

duplicators
duplicitous
duplicity
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Cite this Entry

“Duplicitous.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/duplicitous. Accessed 21 Oct. 2026.

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