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scam

[ skam ]
/ skæm /
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See synonyms for: scam / scammed / scamming / scammer on Thesaurus.com
noun
a confidence game or other fraudulent scheme, especially for making a quick profit; swindle.
verb (used with object), scammed, scam·ming.
to cheat or defraud with a scam.
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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
candystring
candyfloss
candypuff
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Origin of scam

1960–65; originally carnival argot; of obscure origin

OTHER WORDS FROM scam

scammer, noun

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH scam

scam , scan
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Words related to scam

blackmail, deceit, deception, extortion, fraud, hoax, racket, ripoff, shakedown, sham, cheating, con, double-dealing, flimflam, hosing, hustle, sting, con game, dirty pool, double cross

How to use scam in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scam

scam
/ (skæm) slang /
noun
a stratagem for gain; a swindle
verb scams, scamming or scammed
(tr) to swindle (someone) by means of a trick
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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