1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party
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2
as in spree
a time or instance of carefree fun
wanted one grand ploy through Europe before settling down and raising a family
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ploy
And the targeting of a Democratic city in a Democratic state was, according to the vice president, an intentional ploy to make a political lesson out of Los Angeles.
—
Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
As part of his ploy, Pham sent an initial delivery of 20 samples of electronic devices that supposedly needed repairs.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 June 2025
Avoid generic, spammy tactics, over-automation or dishonest ploys.
—Samuel Darwin, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
The three Gunn siblings, heirs to their father’s media empire, are forced to move from New York to California when dad launches his senatorial campaign in a ploy to rehab his image.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Michael Wilner, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2025
As part of his ploy, Pham sent an initial delivery of 20 samples of electronic devices that supposedly needed repairs.
—Kristi Miller, Twin Cities, 24 June 2025
Avoid generic, spammy tactics, over-automation or dishonest ploys.
—Samuel Darwin, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
The three Gunn siblings, heirs to their father’s media empire, are forced to move from New York to California when dad launches his senatorial campaign in a ploy to rehab his image.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
Noun
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The scammers could also use your account to scam others out of money with the same verification ruse for passengers and drivers.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 July 2025
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The elaborate ruse was likely an effort to steal cryptocurrency, which Lazarus has become known for.—
Michael Kan,
PC Magazine,
19 June 2025
Noun
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In 2014, Rodger killed six people in a stabbing and shooting spree in Isla Vista, California, before turning the gun on himself.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
12 July 2025
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Retail investors remain on a buying spree, while big Wall Street players such as hedge funds have been sitting it out throughout this year’s market turmoil, according to JPMorgan data.—
Yun Li,
CNBC,
11 July 2025
Noun
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Two sources told Reuters he was suspected of being involved in a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars earmarked for border defenses.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
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In the film, Superman comes under suspicion by the public and the government over his Kryptonian heritage thanks to a scheme by tech billionaire Luthor to push Superman out of the way of his grand plans to expand his criminal enterprise worldwide.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
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One trick to capture slugs is to lay a board down next to a row crop and check the underside in the morning to gather the slugs.—
Tom MacCubbin,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 July 2025
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Truth is, finding universal tips and tricks for keeping your cortisol levels stable first thing in the morning and when leaving the house is tough.—
Ana Morales,
Vogue,
5 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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