What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
humbug
Example
Don't believe his humbug excuses for being late. [humbug: noun]
Example
She humbugged her way into getting a free meal. [humbugged: verb]
fraud
Example
The company was accused of committing fraud by falsifying their financial statements. [fraud: noun]
Example
He was arrested for defrauding investors out of millions of dollars. [defrauding: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fraud is a more commonly used term than humbug in everyday language, especially in legal and financial contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between humbug and fraud?
Fraud is a more formal term than humbug, and is often used in legal and professional settings.