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debase - To reduce the quality or value of something

When the government added copper to the gold coins, it debased the value of the coins.

noun

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hypocrisy - Behavior that is the opposite of how one actually is, being fake by pretending to be one thing, and acting in the opposite way.

The politician was guilty of hypocrisy because he promised reforms, but his real goal was to enrich himself and his friends.

noun

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smokescreen - A distraction or false front used to mislead or deceive others.

The flashy website and ad campaign turned out to be a smokescreen so people would be distracted from paying attention to the company's declining sales.

noun

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sham - A thing that is not what it is purported to be

To the naked eye, a counterfeit handbag looks like the real thing, instead of a poorly made sham that it really is.

verb

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obfuscate - To make something less clear and harder to understand, especially if done deliberately.

The criminal's testimony at the trial tried to obfuscate and cover up his connection to the crime.

adjective

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corrupt - Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain

Voters are upset with their corrupt politicians who only care about enriching themselves.

verb

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tamper - To interfere with or change something in order to cause damage or make unauthorized alterations.

For the last few decades, Tylenol bottles have included a safety seal in order to prevent any unauthorized tampering.

adjective

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bogus - Not real or genuine - fake or false (used in a disapproving manner when deception has been attempted)

Mr. and Mrs. Smith had suspected all along that the letter offering Oklahoma land for $100 an acre had been totally bogus.

noun

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ruse - A ploy or stratagem used to manipulate a situation in one's favor, often by hiding one's true intentions or motives.

His apparent offer to help was just a ruse to get access to her personal information.

verb

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snatch - To quickly seize something in a rude or eager way

Lenny wanted to play with his brother's toy, so he tried to snatch it away from him.

verb

See noun

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dupe - Deceive; trick

Edwin knew his agent wanted to dupe him by having him sign a bad contract.

adjective

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sleazy - (of a person or situation) sordid, corrupt, or immoral

The sleazy car salesman kept trying to sell Ned on unnecessary upgrades.