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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shortchange -
To intentionally or unintentionally deprive someone of what they deserve or expect.
The store shortchanged me when it gave me a coat that was not nearly as nice as the damaged one I had returned.
verb
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bamboozle -
To cheat or fool.
When Fred and Joan investigated and added up the numbers, they realized that the great deal they had purchased on the internet was all a lie, and that they had been bamboozled.
noun
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charade -
An act or event that is clearly false
Bill told Samantha that he wanted to get married, but she suspected that he didn't mean it, and that the dating was just a charade.
noun
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façade -
A deceptive outward appearance.
Bill realized too late that behind the salesman's facade of integrity was a crook that wanted to steal his money.
noun
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imposter -
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain
The man on the phone who was asking for money sounded like Emily's friend, but she thought he was probably an imposter.
adjective
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flagrant -
The way an action or situation is negative in an open and obvious way
The politician came right out and asked for a bribe in a flagrant violation of the law.
noun
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cunning -
Skill in achieving one's ends by deceit
Through sheer cunning, Michael Corleone was able to become the most powerful mafia leader in the country.
noun
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mischief -
Behavior that causes minor damage or annoyance, especially by children or animals.
Their son had a sparkle of mischief in his eyes when he ran to hide behind the curtains.
noun
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rogue -
Behaving in a way that causes damage.
Martha's friends tried to warn her that under Charlie's charming exterior was a rogue that would eventually hurt her.
noun
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freeloader -
A person who takes advantage of others' generosity or resources without giving anything in return.
The party was full of freeloaders, people who just showed up for the free food and drinks.
adjective
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deceitful -
Intentionally misleading or dishonest.
She realized too late that his charm was just a deceitful cover.
