masquerade -
Behavior that is intended to deceive.
Bill was a total narcissist, and his girlfriends eventually found out that his charm and good humor was just a masquerade, and all he wanted was to take.
verb
26 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
debase -
To reduce the quality or value of something
When the government added copper to the gold coins, it debased the value of the coins.
verb
27 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
exploit -
To take unfair advantage of
At the start of the industrial revolution, factory owners would exploit the workers by giving them low wages and making them work long hours.
noun
28 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
hype -
Extravagant or intensive publicity or promotion, that often turns out to be false
Todd spread the hype that his party was going to be the event of the year, but only a few people showed up.
noun
29 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
imposter -
A person who pretends to be someone else in order to deceive others, especially for fraudulent gain
The man on the phone who was asking for money sounded like Emily's friend, but she thought he was probably an imposter.
noun
30 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
rogue -
Behaving in a way that causes damage.
Martha's friends tried to warn her that under Charlie's charming exterior was a rogue that would eventually hurt her.
verb
31 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
Url
audio
deceive -
To mislead or trick someone, especially for personal gain.
Don’t try to deceive me — I know what really happened.
adjective
32 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
phony -
Not genuine; fraudulent
To someone with an untrained eye, it can be hard to tell a phony handbag from a real one.
adjective
33 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
sleazy -
(of a person or situation) sordid, corrupt, or immoral
The sleazy car salesman kept trying to sell Ned on unnecessary upgrades.
adjective
34 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
bogus -
Not real or genuine - fake or false (used in a disapproving manner when deception has been attempted)
Mr. and Mrs. Smith had suspected all along that the letter offering Oklahoma land for $100 an acre had been totally bogus.
adjective
35 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
audio
corrupt -
Having or showing a willingness to act dishonestly in return for money or personal gain
Voters are upset with their corrupt politicians who only care about enriching themselves.
noun
36 of 72
Bad /
Dishonest
Url
audio
villain -
A person who is considered wicked, cruel, or criminal; someone blamed for causing a particular problem or harm.
Robin Hood was considered a villain to the people who had money, but he was a hero to the poor.
