chicanery

noun

shi-ˈkān-rē How to pronounce chicanery (audio)
Definition of chicanerynext
as in deception
the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end that candidate only won the election through chicanery

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of chicanery Just typical power-grabbing Idaho lawmaker chicanery, right? — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 16 Apr. 2026 In light of the chicanery that happens in the episode, the phrase also suggests a bit of victim-blaming for the harvesting of personal data. — Scott Tobias, Vulture, 12 Apr. 2026 This sort of chicanery is rare, but revealing. — George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2026 Games against the Kings and Jazz in early April could go a long way toward shaping the final lottery standings, which would likely result in some historic chicanery. — Bryan Toporek, Forbes.com, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for chicanery
Recent Examples of Synonyms for chicanery
  1. deception
  2. treachery
  3. subterfuge
  4. skulduggery
  5. trickery
  6. deceptiveness
  7. gamesmanship
  8. artfulness
Noun
  • Yes, a bit of deception has long been standard in listing photos — a wide lens, a bit of color saturation to make a viewless window appear brighter — but the tools today are more sophisticated, cheaper, and pretty ubiquitous.
    — Matthew Sedacca, Curbed, 21 July 2026
  • Nolan reinvents him as a naive young soldier left outside the horse to sell Odysseus’ deception.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Guides spoke of the monthlong siege that ended only because of the treachery of a local noble who turned on the sultan and allowed British troops to scale the walls.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 2 July 2026
  • This is not treachery but the truest and noblest affection.
    — Ann Manov, Harpers Magazine, 23 June 2026
Definition of treachery
Noun
  • The majority sees this as subterfuge.
    — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
  • The Blacks’ defeat would be certain if not for dragons and subterfuge.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 22 June 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • Few would begrudge Paraguay this recognition, but the skullduggery did produce eye-rolls and requires stronger officiating.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • For this skullduggery-stopping potential, the city paid $67,548, which is in the rough ballpark as what your average cop probably makes annually.
    — Frank Landymore, Futurism, 17 June 2026
Definition of skulduggery
Noun
  • Marc Cucurella and Pedro Porro have stretched defenses from the flanks, while Lamine Yamal has confused them with his trickery.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 18 July 2026
  • Still, if any one of them did start — plus rotational options of Desire Doue or Cherki — then England’s defence will need to stay on high alert for runs in behind and trickery in wide areas.
    — Mark Carey, New York Times, 16 July 2026
Definition of trickery
Noun
  • Of course, the retort is that this would be irritating and exasperating to be continually deluged with alerts about AI deceptiveness.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
  • Beyond the deceptiveness of the narrow material view, spiritual light and hope are always present to be found and felt.
    — Sue Brightman, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Jan. 2025
Definition of deceptiveness
Noun
  • In some ways, that depends on whether the agent eventually learns guile, and social gamesmanship, or not.
    — John Werner, Forbes.com, 21 July 2026
  • Some of that gamesmanship occurred when former Orange County Superior Court Judge Israel Claustro tried to profit from the SIBTF program by forming a company to write and submit medical reports for applicants.
    — Tony Saavedra, Oc Register, 16 July 2026
Definition of gamesmanship
Noun
  • All of this shone vividly through his work, which shared his joy, artfulness and deep feeling, and most of all privileged human experience and social interaction.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 2026
  • Mike Bowman, designer, furniture industry expert, and director of marketing for Harmonia Living, says this trend relies on furnishings to bring artfulness to a space—rather than just functionality.
    — Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 Jan. 2026
Definition of artfulness

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chicaned
chicanery
chicanes
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Cite this Entry

“Chicanery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicanery. Accessed 25 Jul. 2026.

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