1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
giving the new guy at work her cell phone number—"in case of an emergency"—was just a flimflam to pique his romantic interest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
just the latest Internet flimflam to get e-mail recipients to reveal bank account numbers and other personal information
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
everyone likes to think that they're too smart to be flimflammed by anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 flimflam
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
The flimflams continue, even in Walmart’s home state of Arkansas.
—
Craig Silverman,
ProPublica,
17 Jan. 2024
Instead, Democrats should present voters with a material choice between a party that has nothing to offer the majority of Americans but abuse and conspiratorial flimflam and a party committed to building a democracy and an economy that work for all.
—
Osita Nwanevu,
The New Republic,
5 Feb. 2021
Might that statement actually be a bit of protective flimflam?
—
Michael Dirda,
Washington Post,
26 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Noun
Marty Supreme is a movie about a charismatic flimflam man, and so its press tour has been full of flim and also flam.
—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
17 Dec. 2025
The flimflams continue, even in Walmart’s home state of Arkansas.
—
Craig Silverman,
ProPublica,
17 Jan. 2024
Instead, Democrats should present voters with a material choice between a party that has nothing to offer the majority of Americans but abuse and conspiratorial flimflam and a party committed to building a democracy and an economy that work for all.
—
Osita Nwanevu,
The New Republic,
5 Feb. 2021
Might that statement actually be a bit of protective flimflam?
—
Michael Dirda,
Washington Post,
26 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimflam
Noun
-
At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.
-
Such offenders will use all different ruses to distract the victim, such as claiming to be utility workers, tree trimmers, or handymen working on neighbors' houses.
Noun
-
As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics and AI makes phishing attempts, impersonation scams and other attacks harder to spot, organizations can’t rely on annual compliance training alone.
-
Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
Verb
-
The fans were cheated Sunday out of a chance to see an interesting pitching matchup between Shota Imanaga and Dylan Cease, the former Cubs farmhand and former White Sox pitcher.
-
For example, a spouse who catches their partner cheating and kills someone in the heat of emotion.
Noun
-
The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.
-
The other company whose shares were manipulated in the scheme, E-Waste, had an even higher market cap at some point, despite being nothing more than a shell company.
Noun
-
Kidan pleaded guilty in 2005 to fraud and conspiracy related to the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, and in 2006 he was sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
-
Google also said the devices were used for ad fraud and other digital crimes.
Verb
-
Langford was injured during Friday’s game after hustling on a double.
-
Shehadeh, a son of Palestinian immigrants, learned to hustle from his hard-working but largely absent father.
Noun
-
The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
-
Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
Verb
-
Significant stinging insect infestations like wasps and carpenter bees may also require a specialized plan that isn’t included in your general pest control service.
-
Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.
Cite this Entry
“Flimflam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimflam. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
