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 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 That said, there are plenty of reasons — none involving any kind of partisan chicanery — that explain why California elections seems to drag on and vote totals shift as ballots are steadily counted. — Mark Z. Barabak, Mercury News, 18 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
  • Harry and the six other high-profile claimants failed to prove their allegations that the publisher unlawfully obtained private information through methods including private investigators, deception, phone hacking and corrupt payments.
    — Erin Hill, PEOPLE, 7 July 2026
  • Alleged privacy breaches include voicemail interception, phone hacking and obtaining personal information through deception.
    — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 7 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
  • Molière’s irresistible comedy of trickery and mayhem is a dazzling new adaptation by Bill Irwin and Mark O’Donnell — reimagined for today’s audiences with fresh American flair and nonstop physical comedy, according to a news release.
    — News Release, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2026
  • The absolute key to France’s attack is the telepathic understanding brewing between Mbappé and Olise, whose combined trickery and close control are in perfect harmony.
    — Tom Burrows, New York Times, 27 June 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
  • For 70 minutes, Paraguay had played with corseted restraint, frustrating France with organisation, concentration and no little gamesmanship.
    — Adam Crafton, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • Gerry was not alone among the Founders in opposing such political gamesmanship.
    — Frederic J. Fransen, Boston Herald, 9 June 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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chicanery
chicanes
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Cite this Entry

“Chicanery.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/chicanery. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of chicanery for Spanish Speakers

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