Synonyms of ploynext
1
2
a
: a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent
b
: a devised or contrived move : stratagem
The story about being sick is just a ploy to get you to give her money.
… a ploy to get her to open the door?Robert B. Parker

Examples of ploy in a Sentence

Her story about being sick is only a ploy to get you to give her money. asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
President Joe Biden attempted to appease Iran by relaxing sanctions, another ploy that failed. Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2026 The cry had been a ploy by ISIS to get everyone to leave. Anand Gopal, New Yorker, 28 Feb. 2026 Conventional wisdom dictates that parading around a pup is a political ploy meant to humanize politicians. Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 26 Feb. 2026 There’s the White House and its malicious megaphone of mindlessness; the generative AI advocates and their pushy, pathetic ploys; the Major League Baseball owners and their dedication to self-destruction. Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ploy

Word History

Etymology

probably from employ

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ploy was in 1722

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Cite this Entry

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ploy. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

ploy

noun
: a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent

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