Deceptive

Causing someone to believe something that is not true; misleading or dishonest. Often involves an intent to trick or fool. It implies a deliberate attempt to create a false impression, whether through actions, words, or omissions. The degree of deceitfulness can range from subtle manipulation to outright fraud. Understanding a situation is crucial for uncovering the deceitful nature of the deceptive act, helping one determine what is factual and the level of impact.

Deceptive meaning with examples

• The advertisement used deceptive marketing tactics, claiming the product would deliver unrealistic results. The company knew their claims were exaggerated, aimed to create an image of perfection to trick consumers into buying something inferior, and were ultimately misleading.
• Her seemingly innocent smile was deceptive, hiding a calculated plan. She was acting out of deception, creating an illusion of cooperation, and making everyone think she was friendly, all in a plan for betrayal.
• The magician's sleight of hand was brilliantly deceptive. A skilled trickster's deceptive actions made the audience believe an object had vanished, distracting their attention in a way that was clearly not true.
• The detective found that the witness's account contained deceptive elements, including the omission of vital details and subtle misrepresentations. These lies and falsehoods attempted to shift the blame, and were carefully designed to make the detective assume a falsity.