trickery

noun

ˈtri-k(ə-)rē How to pronounce trickery (audio)
Definition of trickerynext
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 There's no shame, no trickery—just relief and a chance to rebuild your financial stability. — Charles T. Almond Iii, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026 Brazilian legend Pelé’s explosive debut at the 1958 World Cup at 17, Argentine talisman Diego Maradona’s individual brilliance and trickery at the 1986 World Cup, and French forward Kylian Mbappé’s heroics at the 2018 tournament are just a few that come to mind. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026 But ultimately, Williams believes AI can be an extension of editing trickery that has existed since the dawn of filmmaking. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 May 2026 Consider, too, relatively new forms of trickery, such as manipulating substitution procedures or spying on rivals. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for trickery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickery
  1. deception
  2. subterfuge
  3. treachery
  4. deceptiveness
  5. chicanery
  6. gamesmanship
  7. cunning
  8. skulduggery
Noun
  • Her backstory is littered with half-truths and deceptions, including a lie that her mentally disabled younger sister was murdered after being kidnapped.
    — Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
  • In modern times, as threats have evolved, deception with moving the president has been an integral part of the Secret Service protective methodologies.
    — Donald J. Mihalek, ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • What subterfuge has the author devised within a sentence, and what chills of humor or irony will run across its surface as the subterfuge is discovered?
    — Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Her subterfuge eventually drives Frank to unknowingly hire Ariane’s own father to learn her identity.
    — Air Mail, Air Mail, 18 July 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
Definition of treachery
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
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • But both parties increasingly justify the chicanery, because the stakes of winning elections and keeping power are simply too high.
    — S.E. Cupp, New York Daily News, 8 July 2026
  • There’s a tremendous amount of financial chicanery that goes on in 2026.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 11 June 2026
Definition of chicanery
Noun
  • In some ways, that depends on whether the agent eventually learns guile, and social gamesmanship, or not.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Some of that gamesmanship occurred when former Orange County Superior Court Judge Israel Claustro tried to profit from the SIBTF program by forming a company to write and submit medical reports for applicants.
    — Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
Definition of gamesmanship
Noun
  • Rhaenyra also dismisses Mysaria, a wise move carried out in a very unwise manner, given the woman’s cunning.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Nolan foregrounds the nobility that guides the character (his guilt, his dedication to his men, his yearning for his family) and neglects his wily cunning and egotism.
    — Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Definition of cunning
Noun
  • Few would begrudge Paraguay this recognition, but the skullduggery did produce eye-rolls and requires stronger officiating.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026
Definition of skulduggery

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Cite this Entry

“Trickery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trickery. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trickery

Nglish: Translation of trickery for Spanish Speakers

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