trick

noun

\ ˈtrik

Definition of trick

(Entry 1 of 3)

1a : a crafty procedure or practice meant to deceive or defraud

b : a mischievous act : prank

c : a deceptive, dexterous, or ingenious feat especially : one designed to puzzle or amuse a juggler's tricks

d : an indiscreet or childish action

2a(1) : a quick or artful way of getting a result : knack the trick is to make it look natural

(2) : an instance of getting a desired result one small adjustment will do the trick

b : a technical device (as of an art or craft) the tricks of stage technique

3a : a delusive appearance especially when caused by art or legerdemain : an optical illusion a mere trick of the light

b : a habitual peculiarity of behavior or manner a horse with the trick of shying

c : a characteristic and identifying feature a trick of speech

4 : the cards played in one round of a card game often used as a scoring unit

5a : a sexual act performed by a prostitute turning tricks also : john sense 2

b : shift sense 4b(1)

c : a trip taken as part of one's employment

d : a turn of duty at the helm usually lasting for two hours

6 : an attractive child or woman a cute little trick

trick

verb

tricked; tricking; tricks

Definition of trick (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to deceive by cunning or artifice : cheat

2 : to dress or adorn fancifully or ornately : ornament tricked out in a gaudy uniform

trick

adjective

Definition of trick (Entry 3 of 3)

1a : of or relating to or involving tricks or trickery trick photography trick dice

b : skilled in or used for tricks a trick horse

2a : somewhat defective and unreliable a trick lock

b : inclined to give way unexpectedly a trick knee

3 : trig

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about trick

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Choose the Right Synonym for trick

Noun

trick, ruse, stratagem, maneuver, artifice, wile, feint mean an indirect means to gain an end. 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 trick in a Sentence

Noun

It was a trick to persuade her to give him money. She enjoys playing tricks on her friends. For his last trick, the magician made a rabbit disappear.

Verb

He tricked her by wearing a disguise. you tricked me into thinking my ex wasn't coming to the party tonight

Adjective

a trick shot in pool He has a trick knee.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The Polk Audio Command Bar is one of our favorite soundbars under $300 and should do the trick. — Courtney Campbell, USA TODAY, "The 5 best Amazon deals you can get this Friday," 13 Sep. 2019 And if the remarks from USTA chair people like Chris Evert and Dan Faber didn't do the trick, there was Mr. Baldwin, who knew just how to empty out everyone's wallets come the auction-segment. — Vogue, "The USTA Foundation, Alec Baldwin, and More Kick Off the US Open With a Lively Fundraiser," 4 Sep. 2019 For more of a high-shine lip look that K-pop stars have been loving lately, the sheer pink Plenty of Pout Plumping Lip Gloss will do the trick. — Devon Abelman, Allure, "MAC Is About to Drop a Tarot Card-Inspired Collection With K-Beauty Star Pony," 22 Aug. 2019 The problem is that platforms thrive on engagement — and what’s controversial and emotion-provoking often does the trick. — Emily Stewart, Vox, "How China used Facebook and Twitter to spread disinformation about the Hong Kong protests," 20 Aug. 2019 Asking nicely or thanking the person in real life might do the trick too. — Lauren Goode, WIRED, "Google Assistant Now Lets You Send Reminders to Other People," 15 Aug. 2019 The story did the trick and got the seniors to accept the food. — al, "Alabama restaurant has no prices, just a box for donations," 16 Sep. 2019 Now, a new technology that takes advantage of the cold darkness of space may do the trick. — Robert F. Service, Science | AAAS, "This new device generates light from the darkness of space," 12 Sep. 2019 As for the Granite State, Yang says his personal ties alone won't do the trick for wooing voters. — Emily Tillett, CBS News, "Andrew Yang says "Yangmentum" is surging in key states like New Hampshire and Iowa," 5 Sep. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

Junk texts are the absolute worst, and tricking people into sharing phone numbers is a terrible business model. — Jason Williams, Cincinnati.com, "Here's an easy way for you to get more scoops, insight and analysis on Greater Cincinnati and Ohio politics," 16 Sep. 2019 Junk texts are the absolute worst, and tricking people into sharing phone numbers is a terrible business model. — Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, "Let's talk: Join USA TODAY's TV-centric group text chat for a 90 day test," 5 Aug. 2019 From Facebook’s personal data overreaches to thousands of e-commerce sites that trick people into superfluous purchases to cities implementing facial-recognition systems without consent, the tech industry continues to stress-test trust. — Pamela Pavliscak, Quartz, "Forget AI ethics—treat technology like a new relationship instead," 2 Aug. 2019 The remainder of the story revolves around how Raven tricks the people into returning it. — David James, Anchorage Daily News, "These books will keep kids reading this summer - and discovering Alaska in the process," 6 July 2019 In a phishing attack, criminals send legitimate-looking emails that trick people into clicking on the links in them and compromising their online security. — Jonathan Vanian, Fortune, "Investors Go 'Phishing' For Gold In the Cybersecurity Market—Cyber Saturday," 22 June 2019 The Internal Revenue Service sends out warnings every year about the ways that crooks trick people out of their tax refunds. — John Schwartz, New York Times, "The I.R.S. Really Doesn’t Want to Hear From You," 23 Feb. 2018 As scammers develop new methods to trick the AI … YouTube engineers will update the classifiers to overcome those tricks. — Los Angeles Times, "YouTube will use spotty AI to keep targeted ads off videos for kids," 4 Sep. 2019 The crooks behind these messages are trying to trick you into giving up your personal information. — baltimoresun.com, "Interactive quiz: Could you pass the PARCC standardized tests?," 27 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

The ‘00s are cool again, right? (Trick question: They, like Britney, have always been cool.) — Kara Nesvig, Allure, "The Top 10 Britney Spears Perfumes in Order of Greatness," 23 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.