swindle

word

Definition

To cheat someone out of money or property by using lies or trickery.

Usage & Nuances

'Swindle' is formal and usually used to describe significant or clever cheating, often in business or legal contexts. Common collocations: 'swindle someone out of money', 'a swindling scheme'. It's stronger than simple 'lying' or 'cheating'—it usually involves a planned trick.

Example Sentences

He tried to swindle people by selling fake products.

basic

They were swindled out of their savings.

basic

The police caught the man who swindled his neighbors.

basic

He was famous for his clever swindles until he finally got caught.

natural

If it sounds too good to be true, it might be a swindle.

natural

She realized she’d been swindled only after checking her bank account.

natural