Words / C2

dyoo-PLIS-it-uh-s/djuːˈplɪsɪtəs/

Duplicitous means dishonest because you say one thing and secretly do another: a duplicitous email. Two-faced is everyday and informal; deceitful is a close synonym; hypocritical stresses a gap between preached values and acts. Duplicity is the noun. In speech, two-faced or talking out of both sides of their mouth is enough. Formal, and a serious charge — not a synonym for merely tactful.

Meaning

Dishonest because you say one thing and secretly do another (formal).

Examples

• “The email was duplicitous: it promised help and then charged a fee.”
• “The notice was duplicitous: it promised “consultation” after the contract was signed.”
• “Duplicitous dealing with both bidders collapsed when the emails were disclosed.”

Good to know

Two-faced; saying one thing, doing another. Noun: duplicity. Everyday: two-faced. Close: deceitful. Formal; a charge, not tact.

Near in meaning

deceitful

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