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adjective

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contrived - Artificial and difficult to believe.

Fred was still considered a prime suspect, because his story about what he did the night of the crime sounded contrived to the detective who interviewed him.

noun

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nepotism - When those with power or influence favor relatives, friends, or associates, such as by giving them jobs or ruling in their favor.

The public was disappointed by the nepotism of the newly elected mayor, when they saw that his whole government was filled with incompetent friends and relatives.

verb

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hoodwink - To deceive or trick someone.

The con man surveyed the crowd in order to find someone to hoodwink.

noun

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extortion - The practice of obtaining something, especially money, through force or threats.

The mafia would go to a store, and say "We will make sure your store doesn't burn down if you give us money every month", in an obvious act of extortion.

noun

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charade - An act or event that is clearly false

Bill told Samantha that he wanted to get married, but she suspected that he didn't mean it, and that the dating was just a charade.

adjective

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devious - Showing a skillful use of dishonest tactics to achieve goals.

It took a while for the District Attorney to realize that the politician was using devious methods to hide the fact that he was taking bribes.

noun

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shenanigans - Secret or dishonest activity or maneuvering

Because of Wall Street's shenanigans, the American economy collapsed in 2008.

verb

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eavesdrop - To secretly listen to a conversation without being invited.

He tried to eavesdrop on the phone coversation of the person sitting next to him.

verb

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shortchanged - To treat someone unfairly, by giving them less than they deserve

Bill felt he had been shortchanged by life, because he was born poor, and was orphaned at the age of 2.

adjective

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unrepentant - Showing no regret, shame, or apology for having done things that were wrong.

Even after serving 10 years in jail for shooting another motorist in an act of road rage, Joe was unrepentant when he was released from jail.

verb

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bamboozle - To cheat or fool.

When Fred and Joan investigated and added up the numbers, they realized that the great deal they had purchased on the internet was all a lie, and that they had been bamboozled.

noun

See verb

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plunder - The violent and dishonest acquisition of property

The pirate's eyes grew wide at the sight of his newly acquired plunder of gold coins and jewels.