cheat
23 synonyms for cheat, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage.
“Nobody likes playing board games with someone who cheats.”
How to use cheat
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
cheat on an exam
cheat on a partner
cheat someone out of
Etymology
Ultimately from Old French escheat ("property that reverts to the state") — the sense shifted over time from an official legal term to the idea of unfairly taking something that isn't rightfully yours.
Full origin of cheat →Frequently asked questions
What does “cheat” mean?
The word “cheat” means to break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage. In plain terms, to break the rules — or be unfaithful — to gain something you shouldn't have.
How do you pronounce “cheat”?
“Cheat” is pronounced CHEET (/ˈt͡ʃiːt/ in IPA).
How do you use “cheat” in a sentence?
Here is “cheat” used in a sentence: “He was caught cheating on the exam and had to retake it.”
What part of speech is “cheat”?
Depending on how it is used, “cheat” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “cheat” come from?
The word “cheat” comes from Old French. Ultimately from Old French escheat ("property that reverts to the state") — the sense shifted over time from an official legal term to the idea of unfairly taking something that isn't rightfully yours.
Is “cheat” a common word?
“Cheat” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “cheat” have?
“Cheat” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break rules in order to gain an unfair advantage.
What is the difference between cheat and deceive?
To deceive is to make someone believe something false. To cheat is to break rules for an unfair advantage or to trick someone in order to take something from them, so cheating usually involves rules, contests, or loss. Most cheating involves deception, but not all deception counts as cheating.
Is it cheat or cheater?
Both nouns mean a person who cheats. Cheat is the usual choice in British English, as in he's a cheat, while American English strongly prefers cheater. As a noun, cheat can also refer to an act of cheating.
What is a cheat sheet?
A cheat sheet is a compact set of notes giving key facts, formulas, or steps at a glance. The name comes from notes smuggled into tests in order to cheat, but the term is now neutral and widely used for legitimate quick-reference guides.
