ruse

Synonym Chooser

How is the word ruse different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of ruse are artifice, feint, maneuver, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would artifice be a good substitute for ruse?

The meanings of artifice and ruse largely overlap; however, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of ruse?

While in some cases nearly identical to ruse, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When might maneuver be a better fit than ruse?

In some situations, the words maneuver and ruse are roughly equivalent. However, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When can stratagem be used instead of ruse?

The synonyms stratagem and ruse are sometimes interchangeable, but stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When could trick be used to replace ruse?

The words trick and ruse can be used in similar contexts, but trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is wile a more appropriate choice than ruse?

Although the words wile and ruse have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

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 ruse His ruse began to fall apart in September 2019 when Campbell renewed his driver's license in Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 28 Feb. 2025 Shane Millan admitted to forcing several women to expose their chest with the ruse of checking for tattoos A U.S. Border Patrol agent has admitted to forcing several migrant women to expose their breasts while processing their paperwork during their entry into the country in 2023. Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 11 Mar. 2025 The idea of doctors posing as podcasters to make men more suggestible is already a winner, but the language the doctors employ to complete the ruse ratchets up the comedy. Joe Berkowitz, Vulture, 26 Jan. 2025 Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary? Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruse
Noun
  • Woman Catches What Neighbor's Kid Does On Doorbell Cam, Sends Mom A Text By Jack Beresford Senior Life and Trends Reporter Newsweek Is A Trust Project Member news article 0 A woman had an unexpected reaction after discovering that her daughter had played a prank on one of their neighbors.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Some may even find the prank funny, smiling and shaking their heads before moving on.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • 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
  • Trickery, obfuscation, and deception are common in local politics.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • What Dangerous or Tricky People Might Do Ruda says kids should recognize common tricks that dangerous or tricky person might use to catch them off guard.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025
  • If not, there will be a new game released tomorrow with another chance to guess the categories, and Newsweek will be back with more tips and tricks to help you along!
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His delivery of Mantel’s dialogue—modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge—is mesmerizingly clear.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • Its biting satire is complimented by engaging mechanics like the stratagems.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
  • The competitors are in a trancelike state, building a stratagem.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Cite this Entry

“Ruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruse. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ruse

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