wile 1 of 2

noun

ˈwī(-ə)l How to pronounce wile (audio)
Definition of wilenext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end had to use all of her wiles to convince her guests to stay for dinner

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end it took both wile and cajolery to talk him into it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

wile

2 of 2

verb

as in to fascinate
to attract or delight as if by magic her stories of the Old South could wile anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of wile are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, stratagem, and trick. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

When can artifice be used instead of wile?

The synonyms artifice and wile are sometimes interchangeable, but artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When would feint be a good substitute for wile?

The words feint and wile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When is maneuver a more appropriate choice than wile?

The words maneuver and wile can be used in similar contexts, but maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When could ruse be used to replace wile?

Although the words ruse and wile have much in common, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

Where would stratagem be a reasonable alternative to wile?

In some situations, the words stratagem and wile are roughly equivalent. However, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When is it sensible to use trick instead of wile?

While in some cases nearly identical to wile, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

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 wile
Noun
Where Ricken sees benevolence and opportunity, Devon sees only wiles and trickery. —Erik Kain, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 Even Bubbles/Tiger Lily is able to use her wit and wiles to secure a $50,000 dollar annulment. —Marya E. Gates, IndieWire, 13 Jan. 2025
Verb
Will Smith stars as a penniless Anthony Ramos lookalike fish named Oscar, who wiles away his days scrubbing cetaceans’ tongues clean in the 'Whale Wash,' fantasizing about the good life. —Them, 23 Dec. 2024 Disney is betting travelers will be wiling to pay a premium for an elevated Disney experience. —Bruce Gil, Quartz, 9 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for wile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wile
  1. ruse
  2. deception
  3. fascinate
  4. trick
  5. treachery
  6. charm
  7. scheme
  8. trickery
Noun
  • Richie buys Harry's ruse regarding Tommy's murder, but there's a catch.
    — Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025
  • The wedding started as an elaborate three-way ruse concocted by Wai-Tung, a gay Taiwanese American man; his white boyfriend, Simon (Mitchell Lichtenstein); and Wei-Wei, an undocumented Chinese immigrant.
    — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2025
Definition of ruse
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
Verb
  • My own experience with autoimmune encephalitis—a disease that distorted my reality, sending me into psychosis and delusions—had left me fascinated by the potentials and limits of our minds.
    — Susannah Cahalan, Vogue, 14 Apr. 2025
  • People with autism, for example, tend to have special interests that result in in-depth knowledge or passion about a topic, says Khan, who recalls a patient fascinated by vacuums.
    — Angela Haupt, Time, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of fascinate
Noun
  • The company, which sells hot and iced coffee, tea, shakes, as well as burritos and tacos, also hosts classes to teach dogs tricks.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Another simple trick to avoid seeming evasive: Answer questions with yes or no, first; get into the explanation afterwards.
    — Rob Davis, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Definition of trick
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
Verb
  • He’s eventually charmed by his patient and relents but still insists on doing his rounds.
    — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 7 Apr. 2025
  • And, naturally, Navarro was instantly charmed, dreamily melting into her chair as her fellow View cohosts all giggled.
    — Emlyn Travis, EW.com, 7 Apr. 2025
Definition of charm
Noun
  • Nearly 30 years ago California legislators faced a test of their integrity in voting for an electricity deregulation scheme that ratepayers are still paying for.
    — Jamie Court, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Minnesota Vikings Needs: RB, D-line, CB, S Ole Miss CB Trey Amos: Amos has good instincts around the ball and the press coverage skills needed to fit Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, which places cornerbacks on an island most of the time. 25.
    — Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • That narrative decision fits with Saxon’s ethos to use real skills (sculpting, puppetry, painting) and not only computer trickery to accomplish their lofty goals.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 27 Jan. 2025
  • Criticisms and claims of trickery are at times pointed out.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of trickery

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Cite this Entry

“Wile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wile. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

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