swindler
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of swindler
First recorded in 1765–75; from German Schwindler “irresponsible person, promoter of wildcat schemes, cheat,” derivative of schwindeln “to be dizzy (hence be dizzy-minded, be irresponsible), defraud,” equivalent to schwind- (cognate with Old English swindan “to languish”) + -(e)l- + -er; cf. -le, -er 1 ( def. )
Explanation
If you know someone is a swindler, stay away from him. Swindlers are scammers who con people to make a buck. Unfortunately, there are many types of people in the world who will try to get your money. Somewhere between a used car salesman and an outright thief is a swindler — someone who lies to get your money, sometimes by suggesting you invest in something phony. Many people on the Internet asking for money are swindlers, and if anyone tries to sell you a bridge, that's likely another swindler. Swindlers are also called grifters, scammers, and con artists. The last person in the world you should give money to is a swindler.
Vocabulary lists containing swindler
The Jungle
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
All My Sons
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
The Boy Who Dared
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
He is a swindler, a snob and a savage misanthrope.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 2, 2026
It will come along soon enough, and the reckoning won’t be made until billions of dollars are lost and the next swindler with a clever story goes to jail.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023
Powered by AI, a slew of cheap online tools can translate an audio file into a replica of a voice, allowing a swindler to make it “speak” whatever they type.
From Washington Post • Mar. 5, 2023
If a news site falsely calls you a swindler, you can sue the publisher for libel.
From Seattle Times • Feb. 21, 2023
"Certainly not for a common swindler who'd have to steal the ring he put on her finger."
From " The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
