trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.
the tricks of the trade
ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.
the ruses of smugglers
stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.
the stratagem-filled game
maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.
last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy
artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.
the clever artifices of the stage
wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.
used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself
feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.
a feint toward the enemy's left flank
Examples of ruse in a Sentence
His act was just a clever ruse to get me to go out with him.
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Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?—Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 2 May 2025 Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.—Alonzo Martinez, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025 However, the claim is a ruse to revictimize those who have already lost money to scams.—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 Apr. 2025 Vulture Parent Puppet The puppet ruse is designed to prevent the baby from imprinting on humans.—Amanda Kooser, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruse
Word History
Etymology
French, from Old French, roundabout path taken by fleeing game, trickery, from reuser
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