# deceitful

/dəˈsitfəɫ/ (US) · /dɪsˈiːtfəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deceitful
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing someone or something that is dishonest or tricks people. You use this to talk about lies or things that look one way but are actually different.

For teachers: characterised by dishonesty or the use of trickery to mislead others. Often used to describe people, actions, or objects that appear one way but are different in reality.

## Examples

- He is a deceitful person who always lies.
- The politician's deceitful promises during the campaign led to a loss of public trust.
- The serpent's deceitful nature is often used as a metaphor for those who appear harmless but harbor dangerous intentions.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.