subterfuge

noun

ˈsəb-tər-ˌfyüj How to pronounce subterfuge (audio)
Definition of subterfugenext
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end propagandists who use a kind of photographic subterfuge, superimposing one image on another to create a false "reality"

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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How does the noun subterfuge differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of subterfuge are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and trickery. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," 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

When could deception be used to replace subterfuge?

Although the words deception and subterfuge have much in common, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

Where would double-dealing be a reasonable alternative to subterfuge?

The words double-dealing and subterfuge are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

When can fraud be used instead of subterfuge?

In some situations, the words fraud and subterfuge are roughly equivalent. However, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When is trickery a more appropriate choice than subterfuge?

The words trickery and subterfuge can be used in similar contexts, but trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

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 subterfuge Sabotage and subterfuge are key to achieving victory against a big totalitarian regime. —Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 5 Dec. 2025 Within weeks, her parents discovered her subterfuge and engaged Scotland Yard to bring her home. —Rachel Syme, New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2025 Remon Haazen / Getty Images The prosecutor's statement didn't say what role, exactly, the man is thought to have played in the daylight heist, carried out with angle grinders, a freight lift and subterfuge, with robbers dressed as workers in bright vests. —CBS News, 28 Nov. 2025 Do not let the subterfuge concern you. —Judith Martin, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for subterfuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge
  1. deception
  2. treachery
  3. trickery
  4. deceptiveness
  5. chicanery
  6. gamesmanship
  7. skulduggery
  8. secrecy
Noun
  • Sybiha said Russia uses a range of tactics to recruit foreigners, including financial incentives, deception and coercion.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The crux of the Democrats’ deception is that repealing 287(g) will make our communities safer.
    — Robin Grammer, Baltimore Sun, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Perfidy — from the French perfidie via the Latin perfidia — means deceitfulness, treachery or a breach of faith or promise.
    — Harmeet Kaur, CNN Money, 21 Jan. 2026
  • But despite all this, not every Chelsea fan outside his family will regard this transfer as treachery.
    — Simon Johnson, New York Times, 17 Jan. 2026
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • Just like the ClickFix attacks, this malicious trickery is all about running commands that almost all users would never think to do in normal circumstances.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • While there’s a little studio trickery, like a drum part taped at a slower tempo but sped up to the BPM in the recording, the rest was due to a perspective shift.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of trickery
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
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • That said, there are plenty of reasons — none involving any kind of partisan chicanery — that explain why California elections seems to drag on and vote totals shift as ballots are steadily counted.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 Feb. 2026
  • But even as skeptics label Strategy and the DAT model as a house of cards built on financial chicanery, others view them as early leaders in an emerging category of crypto banks.
    — Jeff John Roberts, Fortune, 3 Dec. 2025
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • Voters will get a chance to reject anti-democratic gamesmanship in an April referendum.
    — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Much like the character that brought him instant fame, Waltz loves the gamesmanship that comes with a villainous turn.
    — William Earl, Variety, 6 Feb. 2026
Definition of gamesmanship
Noun
  • The outcome of the family’s skulduggery, revealed over the end credits, should be a lip-smacking wicked delight.
    — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Possible skulduggery on that answer messes with this pick a bit.
    — Greg Cote December 24, Miami Herald, 24 Dec. 2025
Definition of skulduggery
Noun
  • While neither has been accused of wrongdoing, the critics of the secrecy contend that potential criminal defendants are being hidden.
    — Bart Jansen, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026
  • The disclosures come as public trust in the tech industry has eroded over the past decade, amid a growing belief that the wealthy elite have been allowed to operate above the law in a shroud of secrecy.
    — Ethan Varian, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Definition of secrecy

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subterfuge
subterranean
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Cite this Entry

“Subterfuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterfuge. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on subterfuge

Nglish: Translation of subterfuge for Spanish Speakers

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