What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
swindler
Example
The swindler convinced the elderly couple to invest their life savings in a fake business. [swindler: noun]
Example
She was arrested for swindling people out of thousands of dollars through a Ponzi scheme. [swindling: gerund or present participle]
trickster
Example
The trickster convinced his friends that he had won the lottery, only to reveal it was a joke later. [trickster: noun]
Example
She used her wit and charm to trick her way into getting what she wanted. [tricking: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Swindler is more commonly used than trickster in everyday language, especially in legal or financial contexts. Trickster is less common and is often used in more informal or playful situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between swindler and trickster?
Swindler is typically associated with a more formal tone, while trickster is more informal and can be used in a variety of contexts.