bunco

noun

ˈbəŋ-(ˌ)kō How to pronounce bunco (audio)
variants or bunko
Definition of bunconext
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value they were experts at that bunco, having fleeced wide-eyed tourists for years

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bunco The event includes bunco, lunch and a silent auction. — Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026 The fact that Bosworth was the brains behind this whole caper shows you just how short of brains the whole Healey bunco operation is. — Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 19 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bunco
  1. scam
  2. con
Noun
  • Off-grid residents blur the line between housed and homeless, as county officials juggle lax enforcement, environmental damage, real estate scams and calls to legalize basic services such as addresses and trash pickup.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So how can consumers avoid scams and trust real organizations?
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scam
Noun
  • Materials, pros, cons and best uses Our editors independently choose our recommendations.
    — Jason Rueger, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Objectively speaking, hand-washing high-end cookware is more of a given than a con.
    — Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of con

Browse Nearby Words

bunching
bunco
buncos
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Cite this Entry

“Bunco.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bunco. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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