legerdemain

noun

ˌle-jər-də-ˈmān How to pronounce legerdemain (audio)
Definition of legerdemainnext
1
as in magic
the art or skill of performing tricks or illusions for entertainment the illusionist's show is an entertaining blend of legerdemain and over-the-top showmanship

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end the reduction of the deficit is due in part to financial legerdemain that masks the true costs of running the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 legerdemain Unlike the overheated adjectives that preceded it, this bit of legerdemain is a proper noun. — Bruce Stockler, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2026 There is something more profound going on than constitutional legerdemain. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 10 Mar. 2026 But through a combination of legal legerdemain and a lame-duck power grab in Sacramento, the Democratic maps went into place anyway. — Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 24 Apr. 2026 Between April 1 and 7, the fair gathered 60 brands at the Palexpo exhibition center that broke new records, showcased world premieres and offered an ever-growing array of technical and artistic legerdemain in their latest high-end timepieces. — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 17 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for legerdemain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for legerdemain
  1. magic
  2. deception
  3. trickery
  4. subterfuge
  5. chicanery
  6. treachery
  7. deceptiveness
  8. skulduggery
Noun
  • Signaling what will be a frenetic week, Draymond Green opted out of his contract, ESPN reported Monday morning, sending alarm bells across the league that the Warriors could be cooking up cap magic to potentially lure James to the Bay Area.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
  • Not only is the city booming with routine plans for the 4th, but there's a special sort of magic in the air as this year marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence being signed right here in Philadelphia.
    — Kaitlyn McCormick, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Definition of magic
Noun
  • Guo was convicted of nine of 12 criminal charges during a seven-week trial that prosecutors said showcased his deception of thousands of investors in bogus deals that enabled Guo’s lavish lifestyle.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
  • By the time the deception was uncovered, the employee had authorized $25 million in transfers.
    — Kevin Pierce, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • West said Eisner was particularly delighted with the stage trickery that allowed a child actor to be seen as Chip, a teacup.
    — Tribune News Service, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 July 2026
  • The absolute key to France’s attack is the telepathic understanding brewing between Mbappé and Olise, whose combined trickery and close control are in perfect harmony.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 2026
Definition of trickery
Noun
  • The majority sees this as subterfuge.
    — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • The Blacks’ defeat would be certain if not for dragons and subterfuge.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • There’s a tremendous amount of financial chicanery that goes on in 2026.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
  • Not many people, however, concluded that financial chicanery at executive level should be used as a stick with which to beat the players and coaches who had won those trophies over the years in question.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 May 2026
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
  • This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
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
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • Once there, a combination of Messi’s genius, goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez’s larger-than-life performances, a well-balanced team, and — it must be said — some unsavoury moments of skullduggery by several players, helped Argentina battle their way to the final against defending champions France.
    — Will Jeanes, New York Times, 20 June 2026
  • For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026
Definition of skulduggery

Browse Nearby Words

legends
legerdemain
legged (it)
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Cite this Entry

“Legerdemain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/legerdemain. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on legerdemain

Nglish: Translation of legerdemain for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about legerdemain

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