Synonyms of artifices

artifices

noun

plural of artifice

as in ruses

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

used the artifice of saying his grandmother had died so that he could get the last seat on the plane

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruses
• schemes
• devices
• tricks
• stratagems
• wiles
• ploys
• gambits
• sleights
• jigs
• gimmicks
• shenanigans
• deceptions
• subterfuges
• knacks
• dodges
• sleights of hand
• trickeries
• bluffs
• plays
• juggles
• fetches
• chicaneries
• feints
• duplicities
• hoaxes
• flimflams
• frauds
• crafts
• swindles
• cunnings
• juggleries
• end runs
• gaffs
• fakeries
• duperies
• skulduggeries
• cozenages
• crookeries
• blinds
• shams
• smoke screens
• legerdemains
• fronts

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of artifices

Portman actually released no statement, and many critics noted that Cusk’s novel is more of an intentionally disorienting examination of the artifices of self and celebrity than a tell-all roman à clef. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026

Laura Owens pleaded guilty to several criminal counts, including fraudulent schemes and artifices, taking the identity of another, and perjury. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 31 Aug. 2026

Jean-Luc Godard used nonprofessionals to rend the dramatic fabric and expose the artifices of performance. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 25 Feb. 2026

Owens was initially indicted on one count of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of forgery, four counts of perjury and one count of tampering with physical evidence earlier this year. — Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Nov. 2025