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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 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 These half-truths, lies, distortions, and trickery were most troubling for me. —

Gary Franks, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2024 The company summoned all its acoustical trickery to target the sound so that music and podcasts almost seem to appear in your head for intimate yet airy performance. —

Ryan Waniata, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024 But sometimes, all that’s required to open up a room is a little visual trickery: A coat of paint in the right shade can instantly make even the most cramped kitchen feel airy and bright. —

Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024 No browser download, no manual file execution, just good old-fashioned trickery to bypass those pesky browser security protections. —

Davey Winder, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trickery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickery

Noun

This democratization of deception tools means threats can come from anywhere—disgruntled employees, competitors or opportunistic individuals—not just sophisticated state actors or cybercrime rings.

— Joseph Ours, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025
Langenberg’s sharp slider and 92-94 mph fastball lead a five-pitch mix, and his low arm slot adds some deception.

— Aaron Gleeman, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025