What does swindlers mean?
“Swindlers” is the plural noun for people who swindle: they obtain money, property, or another advantage by deliberately deceiving others. The term normally implies fraud or a dishonest scheme rather than an ordinary mistake, and it often suggests a repeated or organized activity, although it can describe an individual offender. In everyday English, “swindlers” is used for financial and commercial deception, including scams involving fake investments, online sales, insurance claims, or charity appeals. The word carries a strongly negative, usually accusatory connotation, so writers may choose it when they regard the conduct as especially cynical or serious. “Fraudsters,” “scammers,” and “con artists” are close alternatives, but their register varies: “scammers” is common and accessible, while “confidence tricksters” sounds more traditional and theatrical. “Swindlers” is particularly useful when the deception is presented as a calculated scheme and the people carrying it out are the focus.
nounSwindlers are people who deceive others, especially to obtain money, property, or some other advantage through fraud or dishonest tricks.
- People who swindle others, typically by tricking them into handing over money, property, or another benefit.
"The investigator exposed a group of swindlers who had been selling counterfeit certificates online."
"The investigator exposed a group of swindlers who had been selling counterfeit certificates online."
"The newspaper described the financiers as swindlers who had duped investors with fabricated accounts."
The standard plural of “swindler,” used for two or more people who swindle.
"The documentary examined how the swindlers manipulated investors and falsified financial records."
A swindler’s best weapon is not force or disguise, but the confidence with which they tell you a lie.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of swindlers
“Swindlers” is the regular plural of “swindler,” formed from “swindle” by adding the agentive suffix “-er,” which identifies the person performing the action. “Swindle” is an early modern English word associated with cheating or fraud, and related forms such as “swindled” and “swindling” developed from the same verb. The suffix “-er” is a productive English way of forming nouns that denote agents.
Related word forms
How swindlers is actually used
“Swindlers” is usually accusatory and strongly negative. It commonly suggests deliberate, calculated deception, often for financial gain, although it can also refer to dishonest schemes involving property, services, or other benefits.