TRICK Synonyms: 356 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'trick' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of trick are artifice , feint , maneuver , ruse , stratagem , and wile . While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end. // the tricks of the trade

Q: When could 'artifice' be used to replace 'trick'?

Although the words artifice and trick have much in common, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention. // the clever artifices of the stage

Q: When would 'feint' be a good substitute for 'trick'?

The words feint and trick can be used in similar contexts, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent. // a feint toward the enemy's left flank

Q: In what contexts can 'maneuver' take the place of 'trick'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trick , maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty. // last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Q: When can 'ruse' be used instead of 'trick'?

While the synonyms ruse and trick are close in meaning, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression. // the ruses of smugglers

Q: When is it sensible to use 'stratagem' instead of 'trick'?

In some situations, the words stratagem and trick are roughly equivalent. However, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy. // the stratagem -filled game

Q: When is 'wile' a more appropriate choice than 'trick'?

The meanings of wile and trick largely overlap; however, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements. // used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

trick 1 of 3

noun

ˈtrik

Definition of trick next

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end her husband used every trick in the book to get out of appearing in his parish's fashion show

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Relevance

as in prank

a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke thought that gluing the silver dollar to the floor and watching him struggle to pick it up would be a good trick

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as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing that deadbeat is up to his usual tricks: once again he's claiming the check is in the mail

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as in feat

an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness it'd be quite a trick to hit that target from here

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as in trait

an odd or peculiar habit a dog with the trick of eating cabbage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trick

2 of 3

verb

as in to deceive

to cause to believe what is untrue you tricked me into thinking my ex wasn't coming to the party tonight

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trick

3 of 3

adjective

as in tricky

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of trick are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, stratagem, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could artifice be used to replace trick?

Although the words artifice and trick have much in common, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When would feint be a good substitute for trick?

The words feint and trick can be used in similar contexts, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

In what contexts can maneuver take the place of trick?

While in some cases nearly identical to trick, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When can ruse be used instead of trick?

While the synonyms ruse and trick are close in meaning, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When is it sensible to use stratagem instead of trick?

In some situations, the words stratagem and trick are roughly equivalent. However, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When is wile a more appropriate choice than trick?

The meanings of wile and trick largely overlap; however, 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 trick

Noun

On The Stove This process isn’t too complicated but there are few tips and tricks to keep in mind for the best results. —

Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2025 While the average dog is not as adept at hunting as the average cat, the latter might not be as good as a dog at learning tricks. —

Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025

Verb

In his memoir/self-help book Catching the Big Fish, Lynch called out directors who trick actors into a Method performance. —

Bethy Squires, Vulture, 27 Jan. 2025 Cybercriminals set up seemingly legitimate sites that tricked users into downloading malware disguised as harmless software updates. —

Chris Gallagher, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2025

Adjective

As Halloween approaches, investors seem fearful that good credit performance may be more trick than treat. —

Telis Demos, WSJ, 21 Oct. 2022 If the high cost of it all is more trick than treat for you, here are several ways to turn your already smart home into a spook-tacularly genius haunted house. —

Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2021 See all Example Sentences for trick

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trick

Noun

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
Through a clever ruse, the trio manages to escape, but Léo is shot and starts going into labor.

— Emily Blackwood, People.com, 14 Jan. 2025