self-deception
noun
self-de·cep·tion
ˌself-di-ˈsep-shən 
plural self-deceptions
: the act or an instance of deceiving oneself or the state of being deceived by oneself especially concerning one's true nature, feelings, etc.
the capacity for self-deception
Over time, [Henry] Marsh writes, many doctors start to internalize the stories they tell themselves about their superior judgment and skill. But the best, he adds, unlearn their self-deceptions, and come to accept their fallibility and learn from their mistakes.—
Jennifer Senior
Jennifer SeniorExamples of self-deception in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
However: Pretense in foreign policy is not always the same thing as self-deception.
—Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
The Substance, The Last Showgirl, and Maria go further, however, exemplifying how this lifelong pursuit of beauty is also an act of constant self-deception.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
Expect misunderstandings, self-deception or an overwhelming sense of confusion that could potentially leave you questioning your decisions and the motives of others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
The way Madison leans into Ani’s audacity while revealing the fragile façade, the vulnerabilities and self-deception lurking underneath, is phenomenal.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
In the novel, The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen’s characters must confront self-deceptions about their own lives.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Illusions that don’t serve us fall away, whether in the form of toxic relationships, unrealistic expectations or self-deception.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Adams’ nonverbal reaction to this line, delivered by Scoot McNairy as the husband with just enough cluelessness and self-deception, will strike a horribly familiar chord for anyone who’s been there, or done that.
—Michael Phillips, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2024
And in our daily habit of self-deception, the computers are our fondest enablers.
—Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024
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Ross Douthat, The Mercury News, 4 Mar. 2025
The Substance, The Last Showgirl, and Maria go further, however, exemplifying how this lifelong pursuit of beauty is also an act of constant self-deception.
—Shirley Li, The Atlantic, 8 Jan. 2025
Expect misunderstandings, self-deception or an overwhelming sense of confusion that could potentially leave you questioning your decisions and the motives of others.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 7 Jan. 2025
The way Madison leans into Ani’s audacity while revealing the fragile façade, the vulnerabilities and self-deception lurking underneath, is phenomenal.
—Glenn Whipp, Los Angeles Times, 18 Dec. 2024
In the novel, The Corrections, Jonathan Franzen’s characters must confront self-deceptions about their own lives.
—Michael Bernick, Forbes, 17 Dec. 2024
Illusions that don’t serve us fall away, whether in the form of toxic relationships, unrealistic expectations or self-deception.
—Valerie Mesa, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024
Adams’ nonverbal reaction to this line, delivered by Scoot McNairy as the husband with just enough cluelessness and self-deception, will strike a horribly familiar chord for anyone who’s been there, or done that.
—Michael Phillips, Twin Cities, 5 Dec. 2024
And in our daily habit of self-deception, the computers are our fondest enablers.
—Ayad Akhtar, The Atlantic, 4 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Self-deception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-deception. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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