trickery

noun

ˈtri-k(ə-)rē How to pronounce trickery (audio)
Definition of trickerynext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 trickery Now era long, straight hair, sits up as the pastoral scene is literally pulled apart by stagehands, revealed as nothing more than show business trickery. —Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Oct. 2025 The Sooners won 24-17 over the Tigers, thanks in part to trickery on an Isaiah Sategna III wide-open touchdown. —Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 21 Sep. 2025 Corona del Mar used some trickery to take the lead on the ensuing possession. —Michael Huntley, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025 Or, some serious internal trickery. —New Atlas, 9 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for trickery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickery
  1. deception
  2. subterfuge
  3. treachery
  4. deceptiveness
  5. chicanery
  6. cunning
  7. gamesmanship
  8. skulduggery
Noun
  • As various ancient sources recount, after Achilles is killed by Paris, the Greeks resort to deception.
    — Elizabeth D. Samet, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Real war introduces deception, saturation attacks and human failures.
    — Lauren Huff, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2025
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Unlike the confrontational drudgery of couples therapy — and aiming to avoid the confrontational finality of divorce — this approach relies on subterfuge.
    — Sheri Linden, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2025
  • His safe departure from Owensboro was effected [sic] through subterfuge.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • And when the surviving crew interrogates the android Ash about his treachery, the book has him pretty much spill the space beans.
    — Daniel Dockery, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
  • When does compromise become treachery or defeat?
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Another recurring feature of the biggest asset booms is outright chicanery, such as fraudulent accounting, the marketing of worthless securities, and plain old stealing.
    — John Cassidy, New Yorker, 13 Oct. 2025
  • When Hamilton refused him legal help, Reynolds told all who would listen that the Treasury secretary had masterminded his financial chicanery.
    — Jane Kamensky, The Atlantic, 10 Oct. 2025
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • The story follows Toto, an almost completely blind cat with incredible ninja skills, who must use her courage and cunning to stop a deadly King Cobra that has escaped onto the streets of London, alongside her cheeky brother Silver.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Federico Marchetti, the Italian fashion entrepreneur, is a master of sprezzatura—the courtier’s art of cloaking ambition and cunning in an air of guileless nonchalance.
    — John Seabrook, New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2025
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • No half measures, and no gamesmanship.
    — David Brennan, ABC News, 27 Oct. 2025
  • The louche festivities provoke dangerous gamesmanship, and scenes with a jazz band and a lively singer (Sophie Oliver) capture the evening’s reckless spirit, as Hedda coaxes couples onto the dance floor and then struts and sashays among and between them.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2025
Definition of gamesmanship
Noun
  • And though O’Neil, who has been inside, says the building itself is in no shape for skullduggery, that doesn’t mean said skullduggery isn’t happening elsewhere.
    — A.K. Whitney, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025
  • The American people are seeking solace and inspiration from its leaders, not pettiness and skullduggery.
    — Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 10 Aug. 2025
Definition of skulduggery

Browse Nearby Words

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trickery
tricking
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Cite this Entry

“Trickery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trickery. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.

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