What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deceitful
Example
He was caught in a deceitful act and lost his job. [deceitful: adjective]
Example
She used deceitful tactics to win the competition. [deceitful: adjective]
deceptive
Example
The advertisement was deceptive and did not accurately represent the product. [deceptive: adjective]
Example
The magician's tricks were so deceptive that the audience couldn't figure out how they were done. [deceptive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Deceptive is more commonly used than deceitful in everyday language. Deceptive is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while deceitful is less common and has a stronger negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deceitful and deceptive?
Both deceitful and deceptive are formal words that are typically used in serious or professional contexts, such as legal or academic writing.
