ploy

noun

ˈplȯi 

1

: escapade, frolic

2

a

: a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent

b

: a devised or contrived move : stratagem

a ploy to get her to open the door

—Robert B. Parker

Synonyms

• artifice
• device
• dodge
• fetch
• flimflam
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• juggle
• knack
• play
• ruse
• scheme
• shenanigan
• sleight
• stratagem
• trick
• wile

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

Jason Segel's ploy to help Brett Goldstein to shed his Ted Lasso character was born out of first-hand experience. —Esther Kang, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024

These non-actresses utilize attack-first ploys (even when asking questions), with the objective of scoring points or goals. —Armond White, National Review, 20 Sep. 2024

The public is likely going to perceive the use of generative AI as a clever ploy, but the novelty is going to be overshadowed by whether the AI is suitably fair and balanced. —Lance Eliot, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

These types of ploys will generally lead customers to a fake login portal, which will capture their login details. —Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from employ

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ploy

• counter-ploy
• marketing ploy

Kids Definition

ploy

noun

ˈplȯi 

: a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent