Thesaurus results for STRATAGEM

Q: How is the word 'stratagem' different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of stratagem are artifice , feint , maneuver , ruse , trick , and wile . While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy. // the stratagem -filled game

Q: In what contexts can 'artifice' take the place of 'stratagem'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stratagem , artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention. // the clever artifices of the stage

Q: When is 'feint' a more appropriate choice than 'stratagem'?

The synonyms feint and stratagem are sometimes interchangeable, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent. // a feint toward the enemy's left flank

Q: When could 'maneuver' be used to replace 'stratagem'?

The meanings of maneuver and stratagem largely overlap; however, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty. // last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Q: Where would 'ruse' be a reasonable alternative to 'stratagem'?

The words ruse and stratagem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression. // the ruses of smugglers

Q: When would 'trick' be a good substitute for 'stratagem'?

While the synonyms trick and stratagem are close in meaning, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end. // the tricks of the trade

Q: When is it sensible to use 'wile' instead of 'stratagem'?

Although the words wile and stratagem have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements. // used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

stratagem

noun

ˈstra-tə-jəm

Definition of stratagem next

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end tried various stratagems to get the cat into the carrier, but the feisty feline was wise to them all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stratagem different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of stratagem are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

In what contexts can artifice take the place of stratagem?

While in some cases nearly identical to stratagem, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is feint a more appropriate choice than stratagem?

The synonyms feint and stratagem are sometimes interchangeable, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When could maneuver be used to replace stratagem?

The meanings of maneuver and stratagem largely overlap; however, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would ruse be a reasonable alternative to stratagem?

The words ruse and stratagem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would trick be a good substitute for stratagem?

While the synonyms trick and stratagem are close in meaning, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is it sensible to use wile instead of stratagem?

Although the words wile and stratagem have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

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 stratagem These virtual agents are designed to handle high-frequency tasks, allowing human planners to focus on efforts such as sophisticated stratagem and creative direction. —

Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 21 Jan. 2026 From start to finish, the Red Sox deployed a careless, thoughtless, and passive stratagem. —

Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026 Some Iraqis view the decision to close polling stations outside their country as a disciplinary stratagem spurred by the diaspora support for the mass protests, known as the Tishreen uprising, which started in October 2019. —

Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025 Night after night the stratagem was repeated successfully. —

Robert Easton, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stratagem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stratagem

Noun

At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.

— Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
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.

— Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 June 2026

Definition of ruse

Noun

The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.

— Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
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.

— Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 July 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
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.

— Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026