Phrase guide

pious fraud

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

noun

Meaning 1

An act of innocent deceit, technically using the methods of a fraudster but for an honest, honorable purpose.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • White lies are verbal cases of pious fraud.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A person involved in such a fraud.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Calque of Latin pia fraus.