bait and switch

noun

Definition of bait and switchnext
as in switcheroo
US a selling method in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced product but then is encouraged to buy a more expensive one

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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 bait and switch His responses to our questionnaire — especially on the trash fee bait and switch — were the best of the four candidates. — U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 May 2026 But in classic O’Brien fashion, the sincerity turned out to be a bait and switch that gave rise to a bit of absurdist flight of fancy. — Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 16 Mar. 2026 Then came rideshare, first hooking us all on super-cheap fares and driving the cab companies to the wall, only to reveal the bait and switch and amp up the fares even as amateur drivers blocked our streets. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 22 Apr. 2026 The company had long promised the protection as a default for Instagram chat, and experts fear that the bait and switch could set a dangerous precedent in the tech industry. — Matt Burgess, Wired News, 21 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bait and switch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bait and switch
  1. switcheroo
  2. turnaround
  3. flip-flop
  4. turnabout
  5. renunciation
  6. volte-face
  7. second thought
  8. retraction
Noun
  • The switcheroo that the director pulls between the two protagonists, starting her film with Said but then losing him for a chunk of the running time, can also prove a bit aggravating, especially because actor Letifov (who was also in Western) has such a photogenic face.
    — Jordan Mintzer, HollywoodReporter, 23 May 2026
  • Scrubs stars Donald Faison and Sarah Chalke pulled a little switcheroo and posed with Tom Hiddleston.
    — Breanne L. Heldman, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
Definition of switcheroo
Noun
  • Steam review scores reflect this turnaround, with recent reviews showing 74% positivity, a stark improvement from its initial 50%.
    — Barry Collins, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Gumede said the company’s operations in Mozambique and Zimbabwe are profitable and in a position to bankroll the turnaround of the South African operations.
    — Tiisetso Motsoeneng, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of turnaround
Noun
  • Celebrate Christmas in your flip-flops at this midsummer holiday bash featuring a yacht rock tribute band.
    — Lesly Gregory, AJC.com, 1 July 2026
  • There are also noteworthy deals on summer accessories, including jelly flip-flops, silk scarves, crochet bucket hats, shell necklaces and cotton sarongs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 30 June 2026
Definition of flip-flop
Noun
  • That turnabout changed the mood almost immediately.
    — Peter Su, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • The turnabout in the market has been swift for prospective buyers.
    — Bloomberg, Mercury News, 27 May 2026
Definition of turnabout
Noun
  • Rules have changed over decades, so some claims succeed while others face hurdles like formal renunciation.
    — Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
  • Carney is a moralist, a filmmaker of fidelity—and of renunciation, depicting the romantic near-misses and what-ifs that his characters leave behind.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2026
Definition of renunciation
Noun
  • This volte-face was not just about electoral politics.
    — Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026
  • The Kremlin has denied any such request was made, which tells you something about how Moscow views the optics of this diplomatic volte-face.
    — Bobby Ghosh, Time, 22 Dec. 2025
Definition of volte-face
Noun
  • Subscriptions like Billie cover this for you without a second thought.
    — Sabina Wizemann, Good Housekeeping, 30 Nov. 2022
  • In America, the allure of material comfort is accepted without a second thought.
    — Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 20 Nov. 2022
Definition of second thought
Noun
  • Gingras and Khelfaoui suspect the retraction decision was made around this time.
    — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 28 June 2026
  • The story enraged campus and district officials and played a role in Stapleton’s ousting, despite a later retraction.
    — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of retraction

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Cite this Entry

“Bait and switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bait%20and%20switch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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