TRICKERY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'trickery' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trickery are deception , double-dealing , fraud , and subterfuge . While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat. // resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Q: Where would 'deception' be a reasonable alternative to 'trickery'?

The meanings of deception and trickery largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource. // magicians are masters of deception

Q: When is 'double-dealing' a more appropriate choice than 'trickery'?

The words double-dealing and trickery can be used in similar contexts, but double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude. // a go-between suspected of double-dealing

Q: In what contexts can 'fraud' take the place of 'trickery'?

Although the words fraud and trickery have much in common, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice. // indicted for fraud

Q: When could 'subterfuge' be used to replace 'trickery'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trickery , subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end. // obtained the papers by subterfuge

trickery

noun

ˈtri-k(ə-)rē

Definition of trickery next

as in deception

the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end Delia resorted to trickery—even loading up the fishing equipment—to induce her dog into the car for his vet appointment

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How does the noun trickery differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trickery are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and subterfuge. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Where would deception be a reasonable alternative to trickery?

The meanings of deception and trickery largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is double-dealing a more appropriate choice than trickery?

The words double-dealing and trickery can be used in similar contexts, but double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

In what contexts can fraud take the place of trickery?

Although the words fraud and trickery have much in common, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace trickery?

While in some cases nearly identical to trickery, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

Examples of trickery in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The wedding night begins with unexpected passion, but ends in near violence when her trickery is exposed. —

Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 20 Sep. 2024 On the show, Galadriel knows that Sauron is likely manipulating Celebrimbor but has been delayed in her quest to reach Celebrimbor and inform him of Sauron's trickery. —

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 One of the first to document all this trickery was the British biologist Edward Poulton, in his 1890 work The Colours of Animals. —

Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024 Malibu Moving forward, Malibu's wet bathroom design features some space-enhancing trickery of its own. —

New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trickery

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'trickery.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.