Thesaurus results for SCAM

scam

noun

ˈskam

Definition of scam

as in fraud

an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value that's just a scam to bilk insurance companies for staged accidents

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of scam Most often, this would be a network of fake accounts discovered by social media companies as part of their efforts to eliminate bots, scams, and online deception on their platforms. — RenÉe Diresta, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2026 On social media and online forums, some French users call the emergence of digital tipping a scam that benefits restaurants and commission-earning payment platforms more than servers. — CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026 The family was among the victims of a scam targeting Haitians before resettling in Springfield. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2026 Other schemes are more direct—like a new version of the Nigerian prince scam that uses celebrity deepfakes. — Maxwell Adler, Vanity Fair, 2 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for scam

Recent Examples of Synonyms for scam

Noun

Holmes and her partner Billy Evans invited Fielder, Oppenheim and a small camera crew into their San Diego home 34 days before Holmes began her Theranos fraud prison sentence.

— Jordan Moreau, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
Frankel also faces investment adviser fraud and false-statement counts over SEC filings that allegedly concealed his conviction and a Finra suspension.

— Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of fraud

Noun

In a case pending in federal court in Oakland, California, three Facebook users allege that the company profits from online swindles at the expense of users.

— David Ingram, NBC news, 12 May 2026
Supporting characters add to the plot, as Chance needs help from his former crew, most of whom have gone straight but can’t resist the lure of the swindle.

— Oline H. Cogdill, Sun Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026

Definition of swindle

Noun

But there are also cons to buying a condo including sky-high HOA and parking fees, and emergency assessments, which could cost thousands of dollars.

— Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 5 Oct. 2026
Vicki and Tamra are meeting up to get their Prenuvo scans, and no, this is definitely not spon-con.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026

Definition of con

Noun

Argentina’s citizen by investment scheme will offer numerous perks for travelers, including unlocking frictionless access to some of the most popular international destinations.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of scheme

Browse Nearby Words

scaly

scam

scammer

See all Nearby Words

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Style

“Scam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scam. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of scam

noun

Example Sentences

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