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machinations - Crafty schemes or plots, especially intended to achieve something deceitful or underhanded; secret or complicated plans, often with a negative or manipulative goal.

The villain's machinations were finally exposed, revealing his plan to transfer other people's money into his own account.

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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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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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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.

adjective

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sneaky - Doing things in a secretive or sly way, often to avoid being noticed or caught.

Before breakfast, Billy was sneaky and ate some cookies when his mother wasn't looking.

noun

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shenanigans - Secret or dishonest activity or maneuvering

Because of Wall Street's shenanigans, the American economy collapsed in 2008.

verb

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dupe - Deceive; trick

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

noun

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charlatan - A person who falsely pretends to know or be something in order to deceive people

The man selling snake oil claimed it would cure all diseases, but Harvey knew the man was just a charlatan.

verb

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connive - To secretly allow (something considered immoral, illegal, wrong, or harmful) to occur

Stewie would connive ways in which to gain power, though he usually failed.

noun

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culprit - A person who is responsible for a crime or other misdeed

After a long foot chase through downtown, the police officer finally arrested the culprit.

adjective

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contrived - Artificial and difficult to believe.

Fred was still considered a prime suspect, because his story about what he did the night of the crime sounded contrived to the detective who interviewed him.