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 This trickery is accomplished through the miracle of geometry. —

Adrienne So, WIRED, 17 Sep. 2024 The documentary never suitably addresses any of this, nor Goode’s trickery. —

Jen Chaney, Vulture, 8 Sep. 2024 While sudden incidents wrest the plot in new directions, the film is driven less by perverse narrative trickery than by the arbitrary cruelty of fate or the volatility of human nature. —

Guy Lodge, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 At the same time, Sun Wukong often gets the better of the gods, either through trickery or martial prowess. —

Michael Naparstek, The Conversation, 23 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trickery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickery

Noun

If the princess world is all sort of deception, this is no artifice at all.

Simon Thompson, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024
So, in the spirit of humoring that little Gremlin, here’s a rundown of some of Pattinson’s most memorable deceptions and dubious claims.

Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 4 Dec. 2024