How to Pronounce Deceptive

To pronounce "deceptive", say DEC-ept-iv-e — 4 syllables, IPA /dɪ.ˈsɛp.tɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

deceptive

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

If an accent sounds the same, your device is missing that voice — it falls back to the closest one.

Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying deceptive, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

4

Syllables

9

Letters

/dɪ.ˈsɛp.tɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “deceptive”

"deceptive" has 4 syllables: dec-ept-iv-e. It rhymes with perceptive and receptive, if that helps it stick.

What does deceptive mean?

adjective

  1. Likely or attempting to deceive.

    “Appearances can be deceptive.”

Synonyms

misleading

Hear “deceptive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with deceptive

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

perceptivereceptiveunreceptivecontraceptive

Related words

misleadingdelusorydishonestdishonorableunrealdeceitfuldeceivingdeceit

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "deceptive"?▾

"Deceptive" has 4 syllables: dec · ept · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "deceptive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "deceptive" is /dɪ.ˈsɛp.tɪv/.

What does "deceptive" mean?▾

Deceptive: Likely or attempting to deceive.

Want the definition, translations into 8 languages, and read-aloud for full sentences?

Open “deceptive” in the full dictionary →