as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
identity theft has become one of the most frequent and feared swindles of our time
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
hundreds of people were swindled out of their savings, and all they had to show for it were fake land deeds
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of swindle
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025
Clark also had to consider how the swindle would affect customers.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2024
Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025
Meanwhile, his closest associate, Laurent, is the true expert con artist but uses his swindling prowess for good, screwing over only the rich assholes who deserve it.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swindle
Noun
Five other felony theft by swindle charges were dismissed at sentencing, which was attended by several of the school’s administrators and staff.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 11 June 2025
Clark also had to consider how the swindle would affect customers.
—Phil Wahba, Fortune, 22 Sep. 2024
Verb
In the series, Bess is unhappily married to Brody (Bruce), who spends more time working (or, more accurately, swindling his clients and draining Bess’ trust) than with his family.
—Alyssa Davis, People.com, 19 June 2025
Meanwhile, his closest associate, Laurent, is the true expert con artist but uses his swindling prowess for good, screwing over only the rich assholes who deserve it.
—Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 2 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for swindle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for swindle
Noun
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Authorities with Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office are warning residents about a phone scam in which callers pretend to be sheriff’s deputies and falsely accuse people of crimes or unpaid fines.—
Shambhavi Rimal,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Aug. 2025
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In 2024, Americans reported $470 million in losses to text scams, more than fivefold the amount reported in 2020, according to the Federal Trade Commission.—
Jillian Frankel,
People.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Verb
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In response, Bryan posted a playful video with Amaya that appeared to address the cheating rumors.—
Monica Mercuri,
Forbes.com,
26 Aug. 2025
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While Iris and Pepe haven’t confirmed the cheating rumors, at the time of writing, fans noted that Iris and Pepe have unfollowed each other on Instagram.—
Jason Pham,
StyleCaster,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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They have been squeezed at both ends: preparation curtailed by a post-season Club World Cup, but also a transfer deadline that caused deep uncertainty over the future of several players, as well as the size of squad Guardiola will have to manage.—
Jordan Campbell,
New York Times,
27 Aug. 2025
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Rinse the butter by kneading it and squeezing it in the ice bath.—
Elizabeth Karmel,
Forbes.com,
25 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Senior running back/receiver/linebacker Luke Tingley said that one still stings.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
18 Aug. 2025
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Late on, Eze’s strike stung Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez’s hands before he was substituted.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Verb
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There are scenes that look like they could have been plucked directly from the original film.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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Interiors feel plucked from another time period—freestanding cast iron tubs, brown antique furniture, Victorian brass bed frames—and still manage to be quietly current.—
Katharine Sohn,
Architectural Digest,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Adults resist play because culture rewards hustle, not release.—
Cheryl Robinson,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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He’s lined up on the left side for five snaps before hustling back off the sidelines.—
Charlotte Carroll,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Verb
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Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with operating scam call centers that raked in over $5 million by defrauding 400 older adults across the nation, federal prosecutors said.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
13 Aug. 2025
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Telfair was among 18 former NBA players who were charged in October 2021 with pocketing about $2.5 million by defrauding the NBA’s health and welfare benefit plan with a scam that involved fake medical and dental expenses.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Verb
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If this information were accessed, scammers could more convincingly extort or deceive individuals, according to Landau.—
TIME Staff,
Time,
26 Aug. 2025
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Spencer Platt/Getty Images Judges in two courts have now found that the president of the United States took part in a yearslong fraud that deceived financial institutions about his net worth.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes.com,
23 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Swindle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/swindle. Accessed 31 Aug. 2025.
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