Duplicity
hardNegative tonedoo-PLIS-ih-tee
noun
Definition
Deceitfulness; double-dealing
Memory hook
DUPLI-CITY: a city of DUPLICATES — two-faced deception, saying one thing while meaning another.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“His duplicity was revealed when both versions of the story came to light.”
“The spy's duplicity went undetected for years.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“His ______ was revealed when both versions of the story came to light.”
Show answer
duplicity
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Duplicity is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "deceit" or "treachery" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "honesty".
Related GRE Words
artifice
Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially to deceive; trickery
chicanery
The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose
fraudulent
Obtained, done by, or involving deception; dishonest
perfidy
Deliberate breach of faith or trust; treachery
underhanded
Acting or done in a secret or dishonest way
disingenuous
Not candid or sincere; pretending to know less than one does
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