noun

conman

Conman (noun) means a person who cheats or deceives others out of money or trust, typically through a confidence scheme. Example: “The conman convinced elderly residents to hand over their savings for a fake investment.”

noun

A person who cheats or deceives others out of money or trust, typically through a confidence scheme.

"The conman convinced elderly residents to hand over their savings for a fake investment."

"Police warned that a conman was posing as a bank official to trick customers."

How to use conman

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA scammer or swindler who tricks people by first earning their trust.

Common mistake

Increasingly written as two words, "con man," in formal writing, though "conman" is common informally.

Common pairings

a smooth conman fall for a conman a conman's trick

Word forms

conmen plural

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The _____ convinced elderly residents to hand over their savings for a fake investment.

Etymology

A shortening of "confidence man" — someone who wins a victim's confidence in order to swindle them.

Frequently asked questions

What does “conman” mean?

The word “conman” means a person who cheats or deceives others out of money or trust, typically through a confidence scheme. In plain terms, a scammer or swindler who tricks people by first earning their trust.

How do you use “conman” in a sentence?

Here is “conman” used in a sentence: “The conman convinced elderly residents to hand over their savings for a fake investment.”

What part of speech is “conman”?

“Conman” is a noun.

What is the meaning of conman?

"conman" (noun) means a person who cheats or deceives others out of money or trust, typically through a confidence scheme.