trickster

noun

trick·​ster ˈtrik-stər 

: one who tricks: such as

a

: a dishonest person who defrauds others by trickery

b

: a person (such as a stage magician) skilled in the use of tricks and illusion

c

: a cunning or deceptive character appearing in various forms in the folklore of many cultures

Synonyms of trickster

• cheat
• dodger
• shark

Examples of trickster in a Sentence

a heartless trickster swindled the elderly woman out of her life savings

a very adept trickster who used mirrors to make huge items—even buildings—seem to disappear

Recent Examples on the Web

The Coens’ script really leans into the idea of Ulysses/Odysseus as a clever trickster fond of disguises and schemes. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Odysseus is a complex character known for being brilliant and crafty, but also being somewhat of an arrogant trickster. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Yet in his film, Nolan almost completely does away with Odysseus the trickster. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026

Meanwhile, Johnson reprises his role as Moana's bantering reluctant partner, the shapeshifting trickster demigod Maui, alongside Jemaine Clement again voicing the conceited giant crustacean Tamatoa. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1711, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trickster

• confidence trickster

Kids Definition

trickster

noun

trick·​ster ˈtrik-stər 

: one who tricks: as

a

: a dishonest person who cheats others by trickery

b

: magician sense 2