deceive
verb (used with object)
to mislead by a false appearance or statement; delude.
is deceiving
-
present progressiveof deceive (3rd person singular).present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Crisis actor is a derogatory label used by conspiracy theorists to allege that someone is deceiving the public -- feigning injuries or death -- while posing as a victim of a tragic event.
From Barron's ● Dec. 16, 2025
At first glance the faded black-and-white, sometimes slightly out-of-focus images convey an Afghanistan frozen in time. But that aesthetic is deceiving.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 21, 2023
The Raiders’ 355-yard defensive average is deceiving because the Denver Broncos had only six possessions in the season opener.
From Washington Times ● Sep. 21, 2023
Indiana sued Chinese-owned short-video sharing app TikTok on Wednesday over allegations that it is deceiving users about China's access to their data and exposing children to mature content.
From Reuters ● Dec. 8, 2022
There is the knave who played the doctor and deceived you; and, while he is deceiving you and playing you off, Valère and your daughter are together, doing all they like.
From The Flying Doctor (Le Médecin Volant) by Charles Heron Wall
