TRICKERY Synonyms: 68 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'trickery' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trickery are deception , double-dealing , fraud , and subterfuge . While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat. // resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Q: Where would 'deception' be a reasonable alternative to 'trickery'?

The meanings of deception and trickery largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource. // magicians are masters of deception

Q: When is 'double-dealing' a more appropriate choice than 'trickery'?

The words double-dealing and trickery can be used in similar contexts, but double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude. // a go-between suspected of double-dealing

Q: In what contexts can 'fraud' take the place of 'trickery'?

Although the words fraud and trickery have much in common, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice. // indicted for fraud

Q: When could 'subterfuge' be used to replace 'trickery'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trickery , 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

trickery

noun

ˈtri-k(ə-)rē

Definition of trickery next

as in deception

the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end Delia resorted to trickery—even loading up the fishing equipment—to induce her dog into the car for his vet appointment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun trickery differ from other similar words?

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

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Where would deception be a reasonable alternative to trickery?

The meanings of deception and trickery largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is double-dealing a more appropriate choice than trickery?

The words double-dealing and trickery can be used in similar contexts, but double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

In what contexts can fraud take the place of trickery?

Although the words fraud and trickery have much in common, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace trickery?

While in some cases nearly identical to trickery, 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

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 trickery The Bears got a 94-yard punt return from Josh Blackwell for their first touchdown thanks to a bit of trickery. —

Rob Reischel, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 Some trickery from Williams and an explosive run from receiver DJ Moore put Chicago right at the goal line, with running back D’Andre Swift bursting through to continue the scoring frenzy. —

Sam Joseph, CNN, 13 Oct. 2024 Featuring a brand new cast of reality television’s best and most conniving, the U.S. version of Peacock’s hit game show returns on January 9 for more challenges, trickery, and impeccable outfits from host Cumming. —

Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 23 Nov. 2024 Background/foreground blur and other in-camera trickery are used to great effect. —

Scott Phillips, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trickery

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickery

Noun

The series was loosely inspired by the non-fiction book The Woman Who Fooled the World, written by Beau Donelly and Nick Toscano, the two journalists who uncovered the details of Gibson’s deception.

— Abid Rahman, The Hollywood Reporter, 1 Feb. 2025
Some users saw deception as the biggest issue, while others questioned whether the wife's stance was fair, given the monetary opportunity.

— Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025