bait and switch
noun
1
: a sales tactic in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one
2
: the ploy of offering a person something desirable to gain favor (such as political support) then thwarting expectations with something less desirable
Examples of bait and switch in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The bait and switch approach to attracting customers is both widespread and costly for the American public.
—
Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026
In addition to preventing a future bait and switch, Campillo has gone further in his plan to help the city regain credibility.
—Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Dec. 2025
With the sudden reveal that most of these kids aren’t our heroes after all, Welcome to Derry delivers a stunning bait and switch.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025
Democrats worry there's a chance this option is a bait and switch, Grisales says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bait and switch
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Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 8 Jan. 2026
In addition to preventing a future bait and switch, Campillo has gone further in his plan to help the city regain credibility.
—Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Dec. 2025
With the sudden reveal that most of these kids aren’t our heroes after all, Welcome to Derry delivers a stunning bait and switch.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2025
Democrats worry there's a chance this option is a bait and switch, Grisales says.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bait and switch
Cite this Entry
“Bait and switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bait%20and%20switch. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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