feint 1 of 2

feint

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word feint different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of feint are artifice, maneuver, ruse, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

In what contexts can artifice take the place of feint?

The meanings of artifice and feint largely overlap; however, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When might maneuver be a better fit than feint?

While the synonyms maneuver and feint are close in meaning, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When could ruse be used to replace feint?

The words ruse and feint are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When is it sensible to use stratagem instead of feint?

In some situations, the words stratagem and feint are roughly equivalent. However, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When can trick be used instead of feint?

The words trick and feint can be used in similar contexts, but trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

Where would wile be a reasonable alternative to feint?

The synonyms wile and feint are sometimes interchangeable, but wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

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 feint
Noun
For added drama, there was a disorderly stampede out of Treasuries and the U.S. dollar , banishing hope and leaving an upside air pocket that was partially filled when buyers seized on the Trump administration’s equivocal feints toward a de-escalation of trade aggressions. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 26 Apr. 2025 The crowd roars as Sayid Ali feints, spinning past an opponent for a breakaway. Mohamed Sheikh Nor, Christian Science Monitor, 15 Apr. 2025
Verb
When the second Trump Administration, during its first week, feinted toward freezing federal funding programs, universities were among the institutions whose blood ran cold. Nathan Heller, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025 The fire was now moving like a prowling carnivore, feinting down one street a few blocks away and then changing its mind and slithering down a different avenue. Stephen Rodrick, Rolling Stone, 13 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for feint
Recent Examples of Synonyms for feint
Noun
  • Though the California ground squirrel is native to the area, its burrowing can contribute to coastal erosion, especially along the bluffs above Pacific Coast Highway.
    Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025
  • Based on their clothing, people likely gathered after church on a Sunday and posed on these bluffs above the once free-flowing White River.
    Ray Hanley, Arkansas Online, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • It can usually be disguised as fairness or reciprocity and may not seem harmful at first.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 May 2025
  • In the film, Pike’s Miranda Frost, a Harvard grad and Olympic fencer, disguises herself as a fellow member of MI6, only to later be revealed as a double agent.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • Nobody was onboard when the ship listed then sank, the Philippine military said. American and Philippine forces would proceed with other live-fire maneuvers off Zambales on Monday despite the premature sinking of the Malvar.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 May 2025
  • Such maneuvers aren't uncommon for the ISS, and have increased in frequency in recent years.
    Josh Dinner, Space.com, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Johnson claimed that Combs’ team went to extreme lengths to conceal the video, alleging that Florez was offered $100,000 to keep the footage a secret.
    Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 13 May 2025
  • According to dark money hawks, this pass-through funding tactic allows Qatar to conceal state backing as private sector contributions.
    Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • This, of course, also helps camouflage any design challenges, like poor architecture or ho-hum furniture.
    Allison Duncan, Vogue, 8 May 2025
  • Masking Masking, or camouflaging, involves using non-autistic behaviors to blend in and appear more socially acceptable.
    Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For decades, Combs masked himself as a wealthy music mogul who liked to throw lavish parties and surround himself with women.
    Bridgette Carr, New York Daily News, 16 May 2025
  • The electrifying offense has masked injuries to their starting pitchers, but the bullpen has been a serious issue early in the season.
    Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • Refsnyder walked into the restaurant for his own birthday party and tried to feign a smile.
    Cody Stavenhagen, The Athletic, 25 Mar. 2025
  • Jenna Bush Hager Says Daughter Mila Got 'Overwhelmed' by Secret Service Spending Time with First Lady Laura Bush Guthrie's carousel also featured a picture of the girls at the end of the party, posing on a red truck while Mila feigned a yawn.
    Hannah Sacks, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Feint.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/feint. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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