Synonyms of ploynext
1
2
a
: a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent
b
: a devised or contrived move : stratagem
The story about being sick is just a ploy to get you to give her money.
… a ploy to get her to open the door?Robert B. Parker

Examples of ploy in a Sentence

Her story about being sick is only a ploy to get you to give her money. asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Thing’s appearance was also a ploy to spark buzz for the upcoming season of the hit series. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 26 Mar. 2026 The Thing’s first pitch was a ploy to spark buzz for the upcoming season of Wednesday. Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026 Kern drew backlash for changing his surname from Hidalgo to Kern ahead of a 1998 congressional run, which opponents called a ploy to appeal to White voters. Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026 The official called it a ploy to manipulate markets and said there’s no communication lines between the two countries. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ploy

Word History

Etymology

probably from employ

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ploy was in 1722

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Cite this Entry

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ploy. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

ploy

noun
: a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent

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