Meaning & use

duplicity

noun·Advanced

Deceitful behavior that involves saying or promising one thing while actually doing or believing another.

See it in a sentence

The scandal exposed years of duplicity within the company's leadership.

She never forgave him for the duplicity of his double life.

A note on using this word

Duplicity implies a deliberate, calculated pattern of deception, stronger than a single lie or minor exaggeration.

Words with a similar meaning

deceitdishonestytreachery

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

honestysincerity

Make it your own

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