Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stratagem are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

In what contexts can artifice take the place of stratagem?

While in some cases nearly identical to stratagem, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is feint a more appropriate choice than stratagem?

The synonyms feint and stratagem are sometimes interchangeable, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When could maneuver be used to replace stratagem?

The meanings of maneuver and stratagem largely overlap; however, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would ruse be a reasonable alternative to stratagem?

The words ruse and stratagem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would trick be a good substitute for stratagem?

While the synonyms trick and stratagem are close in meaning, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is it sensible to use wile instead of stratagem?

Although the words wile and stratagem 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 stratagem Among the stratagems employed by PBMs to boost profits, the FTC says, is steering health plans and patients to their own affiliated pharmacy chains. Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2024 Hindenburg, in his mid-eighties and growing weak, became fed up with Schleicher’s Machiavellian stratagems and dispensed with him as Chancellor. Adam Gopnik, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Sociology is simply a bullet point in political stratagems seeking to dismantle American institutions from the inside out. Carol J. Petty, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 Palestinians have also been the victims of another, much more sinister stratagem—their deliberate dehumanization. Laila El-Haddad, The New Republic, 1 Nov. 2023 See All Example Sentences for stratagem
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stratagem
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
  • Kelly’s portrayal contradicts other characterizations of Drue, including those made in prior legal proceedings, which depicted him as the architect of schemes to conceal assets and manipulate the legal system.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • 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
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stratagem.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stratagem. Accessed 7 Apr. 2025.

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