1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
used the artifice of saying his grandmother had died so that he could get the last seat on the plane
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2
as in cunning
skill in achieving one's ends through indirect, subtle, or underhanded means
using their artifice, the Greeks crafted a hollow wooden horse to hide inside and thereby gained entry into the city of Troy
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in skill
subtle or imaginative ability in inventing, devising, or executing something
a painting that could only have been created with the artifice of a master
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in deception
the inclination or practice of misleading others through lies or trickery
a crook who is a master of artifice and manipulation
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in treachery
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end
he's willing to resort to artifice to get himself out of this jam
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of artifice
Without the teen-drama artifice, what will the show become?
—
Zoe Guy, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025
And with [handheld], there’s so much artifice behind the camera.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025
Even the visual style, which alternates between expressive closeups and passive wide shots, reflects the blend of artifice and reality.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
On her latest single off her forthcoming sophomore album, Sabrina Teitelbaum removes any artifice surrounding her to sing a simple love song about the simplicity of her relationship.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artifice
Zoe Guy, Vulture, 10 Feb. 2025
And with [handheld], there’s so much artifice behind the camera.
—Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Feb. 2025
Even the visual style, which alternates between expressive closeups and passive wide shots, reflects the blend of artifice and reality.
—Katie Rife, IndieWire, 28 Jan. 2025
On her latest single off her forthcoming sophomore album, Sabrina Teitelbaum removes any artifice surrounding her to sing a simple love song about the simplicity of her relationship.
—Stephen Daw, Billboard, 21 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for artifice
Recent Examples of Synonyms for artifice
Noun
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Not least because the ruse allows for a Putin or two to die while another survives without toppling the edifice built by the original one.—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
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The defendants never believed the ruse and within hours were sending threatening messages to Rendon, according to prosecutors.—
Alex Riggins,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Joey Merlo’s cunning, captivating On Set With Theda Bara first lit its murky lights at the Brick a year ago — and now, in a heartening example of institutional collaboration, the Transport Group and the Lucille Lortel Theatre have pitched in as presenters to bring it back for an encore performance.—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
14 Feb. 2024
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For Mirren, the cunning and cruelty of Whitfield is a timely example of power corrupting absolutely.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2025
Noun
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In a video shared on Thursday, March 20, the Queen of Power Ballads showed off her golf skills, hitting a drive-off a tee during an outing with her sons René-Charles, Nelson and Eddy.—
Marina Watts,
People.com,
21 Mar. 2025
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For aspiring thriller writers, developing this skill takes practice.—
JD Barker,
Rolling Stone,
21 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Duplicity, hits theaters today, March 20, delivering a suspenseful story of deception, justice, and betrayal.—
Shelby Stewart,
Essence,
20 Mar. 2025
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Trickery, obfuscation, and deception are common in local politics.—
Harvey Levine,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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After weeks of treachery and deception, the final roundtable has been viewed, and the winner or winners for The Traitors Season 3 have been revealed.—
Armando Tinoco,
Deadline,
6 Mar. 2025
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Clay’s Dad, Trevor Photo: Netflix It cannot be said enough that the root of so much of this season’s strife between AD and Clay can be traced back to one man’s flagrant disregard for his marital vows, and his inexplicable decision to involve his kids in the treachery.—
Anusha Praturu,
Vulture,
13 Mar. 2024
Noun
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Guilford police hoped that, by sharing the incident, others would be prevented from falling prey to similar schemes and offered the following tips: Do not respond directly to suspicious texts or emails.—
Staff report,
Hartford Courant,
26 Mar. 2025
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Other parts of the U.K.’s immigration system have been criticized as well, including the Seasonal Worker Visa scheme, which NGOs say leaves people open to various forms of exploitation, debt bondage and forced labor.—
Frey Lindsay,
Forbes.com,
26 Mar. 2025
Noun
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But all 12 are saturated with deceit, consternation and heartbreak.—
Linda Robertson,
Miami Herald,
2 Mar. 2025
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His real estate business, with finances overseen by a subservient non-CPA, committed so much deceit that the Trump Organization ended up convicted of tax crimes and its former chief financial officer went to jail—twice.—
Dan Alexander,
Forbes,
18 Feb. 2025
Noun
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His delivery of Mantel’s dialogue—modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge—is mesmerizingly clear.—
Taylor Antrim,
Vogue,
20 Mar. 2025
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With a bit of guidance, navigating between the classic go-to’s and the newer dining options are scattered throughout the properties can lead to incredible culinary discoveries, plenty of popping champagne bottles and even a dash of historical subterfuge.—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes,
22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Artifice.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/artifice. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.
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