1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
giving the new guy at work her cell phone number—"in case of an emergency"—was just a flimflam to pique his romantic interest
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
just the latest Internet flimflam to get e-mail recipients to reveal bank account numbers and other personal information
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
everyone likes to think that they're too smart to be flimflammed by anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of flimflam
Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2022
Hopefully, few readers will be taken in by this flimflam.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2022
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Noun
This is the language of partisan flimflam, not sober healthcare policymaking.
—Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2022
Hopefully, few readers will be taken in by this flimflam.
—Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2022
Verb
But liars like Kari Lake, who lost a bid for Arizona governor by parroting former President Trump’s falsehoods and hopes now to flimflam her way to a Senate seat, are only the most visible threat to our system of democracy.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimflam
Noun
-
While sustaining the ruse for months, Ale arranged with an expectant young mother who didn’t want her child to take that woman’s newborn as her own.—
Matthew Carey,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Seasoned observers of Russia’s space program might question if the drone attacks are a ruse to add another layer of secrecy over Russia’s launch activity at Plesetsk.—
Ashley Belanger,
ArsTechnica,
30 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Even without full Social Security numbers, attackers can use it to build convincing scams that feel personal.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
1 May 2026
-
Authorities say 32-year-old Albert Constantin has been charged with multiple felonies and misdemeanors connected with the alleged scam.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Fred, their oldest surviving child, was suspended from Princeton for cheating, then caught embezzling from his Seattle employer to feed, Church suspected, a gambling habit.—
Sebastian Smee,
New Yorker,
4 May 2026
-
Venezuela contends the Americans and Europeans conspired to cheat their country out of the land.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
4 May 2026
Noun
-
There’s a symbiosis in play here, and the NFL is fully aware that its unmatched popularity is still almost entirely a function of its TV-first delivery scheme.—
Anthony Crupi,
Sportico.com,
1 May 2026
-
Following that incident, Weber allegedly tried to launch another scheme involving him offering basketball players overseas trips.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
1 May 2026
Noun
-
Cohen also pointed to her work leading a task force that was convened by court order following a massive fraud scheme involving charter schools in San Diego.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
-
The Timberwolves exposed the Nuggets as a fraud, a vapid former champion left as a chew toy in the mouth of hungry Wolves.—
Troy Renck,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
Caminero led off with a walk, then hustled to third when Aranda followed with a single.—
Marc Topkin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
3 May 2026
-
On the ensuing possession after Ausar Thompson hustled for an offensive rebound, Cunningham made a step-back, 16-foot jumper to help seal it.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
This and other videos like it have been making the rounds lately, using tricks for clicks.—
Lisa de los Reyes,
HollywoodReporter,
1 May 2026
-
But Ohm has picked up some tricks from his time in the room.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
And they are left victorious at trial but still stinging from the episode.—
Armando Salguero OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
6 May 2026
-
Bass faced stinging criticism over her absence from the city when the fire broke out and her handling of the recovery.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Flimflam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimflam. Accessed 7 May. 2026.
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