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 With a bit of guidance, navigating between the classic go-to’s and the newer dining options are scattered throughout the properties can lead to incredible culinary discoveries, plenty of popping champagne bottles and even a dash of historical subterfuge. —Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025 This sequence introduces The Agency as a maze of contradictory nationalist motivations, paranoia-inducing surveillance, and prevalent subterfuge — and, in its hidden center, a love story. —Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 24 Jan. 2025 Using a figurehead Then again, Trump might just want to avoid all of these legal subterfuges by following the example of George and Lurleen Wallace. —Philip Klinkner, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 2025 This is a subterfuge in an attempt to sidestep the elements of gambling. —Daniel Wallach, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for subterfuge
Recent Examples of Synonyms for subterfuge
  1. deception
  2. treachery
  3. trickery
  4. chicanery
  5. gamesmanship
  6. skulduggery
  7. secrecy
  8. cunning
Noun
  • The Erosion Of Trust Through Inconsistent Words Many people associate the breakdown of trust with major betrayals like infidelity or deception.
    — Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Warrantless search and seizure, deception, untrammeled use of force.
    — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 25 Apr. 2025
Definition of deception
Noun
  • But the most intriguing finish—and the most on-brand level of treachery from Heyman—would be Paul stabbing both Roman and Punk in the back for Rollins.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Sinners is about vampires, perpetual outsiders who desperately yearn to belong, but whose silky promises are rooted in treachery.
    — Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • The ability to render the real world using charcoal is utter trickery.
    — Emily Wilson, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2025
  • But just try not to be tickled by even the simplest of the show’s trickery, like when a book fallen from a school locker flies right back in.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 22 Apr. 2025
Definition of trickery
Noun
  • Read more Opinions in The Hill Op-ed related to energy & environment submitted to The Hill: Gavin Newsom’s climate change chicanery You’re all caught up.
    — Rachel Frazin, The Hill, 6 Feb. 2025
  • Jane was a devout Protestant at a time of religious upheaval, the ultimate innocent victim of the chicanery of the Tudor court in the chaotic aftermath of Henry VIII’s reign.
    — Pan Pylas, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • Psychologist Susan Cain, in Quiet, says introverts thrive in solitude, delivering their best work without the social stimulus overload of open offices and needing to play political gamesmanship.
    — Jack Kelly, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • The characters surrounding Matt embody that gamesmanship.
    — Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of gamesmanship
Noun
  • This year the skulduggery began early and has been raging for week.
    — Tim Spiers, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
  • Obviously, such a system is rife with uncertainty, and the history of the process is full of skulduggery, both on the club and player side.
    — Tony Blengino, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
Definition of skulduggery
Noun
  • Politics After decades of secrecy, the 'Ghost Army' is honored for saving U.S. lives in WWII Their legacy has also been honored in books and movies, including a 2019 documentary and a 2024 movie, directed by Tyler Perry and starring Kerry Washington as Adams.
    — Rachel Treisman, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025
  • Ars Video United Launch Alliance ended its live video coverage of the mission a few minutes after the launch at the request of Amazon, which insisted on a level of secrecy normally reserved for spy satellites.
    — Alex Goy, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
Definition of secrecy
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered 50-to-1 by the Five Families of the Italian mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Noted for his tenacity and cunning, Khamenei is also a man of conviction, and his hatred for the United States is deeply felt.
    — Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of cunning

Browse Nearby Words

subtenants
subterfuge
subterranean
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“Subterfuge.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/subterfuge. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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