1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
giving the new guy at work her cell phone number—"in case of an emergency"—was just a flimflam to pique his romantic interest
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value
just the latest Internet flimflam to get e-mail recipients to reveal bank account numbers and other personal information
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
everyone likes to think that they're too smart to be flimflammed by anyone
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 flimflam
Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 5 Feb. 2021
Might that statement actually be a bit of protective flimflam?
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2020
Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Noun
Instead, Democrats should present voters with a material choice between a party that has nothing to offer the majority of Americans but abuse and conspiratorial flimflam and a party committed to building a democracy and an economy that work for all.
—Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 5 Feb. 2021
Might that statement actually be a bit of protective flimflam?
—Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2020
Verb
But liars like Kari Lake, who lost a bid for Arizona governor by parroting former President Trump’s falsehoods and hopes now to flimflam her way to a Senate seat, are only the most visible threat to our system of democracy.
—Mark Z. Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2023
See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimflam
Noun
-
The police investigation that followed included surveillance and a ruse where investigators answered local prostitution ads and were directed to the home.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
-
But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes.—
The Editors,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
And that’s when scams, theft and predatory fees become prevalent.—
Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia,
Chicago Tribune,
18 June 2025
-
Tyler Perry's lawyer accuses Derek Dixon of 'setting up a scam' Perry's lawyer denied the allegations in a statement shared with USA TODAY.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
18 June 2025
Verb
-
President Donald Trump's rapid pullback of the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has cost Americans at least $18 billion in higher fees and lost compensation for consumers allegedly cheated by major companies, according to an analysis released Tuesday by two organizations.—
Douglas Gillison,
USA Today,
25 June 2025
-
But they didn’t get cheated this spring, not with three rousing blasts from the past: Against the Pistons, against the Celtics, against the Pacers.—
Mike Lupica,
New York Daily News,
23 June 2025
Noun
-
While Google displays only the scheme and host name of the site the ad links to (for instance, https://www.microsoft.com), the ad appends parameters to the path to the right of that address.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
18 June 2025
-
That will start with sharpening his knowledge of Kelly’s scheme.—
Tashan Reed,
New York Times,
18 June 2025
Noun
-
The truth is that almost all the fraud, waste and abuse in the health care system comes from the billing and payment processes and skyrocketing prices, not from people who rely on Medicaid for essential care.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
20 June 2025
-
Criminals that are able to gain access to passwords put up for sale on the dark web are able to use them for identify theft, fraud, and even blackmail.—
Theo Burman,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 June 2025
Verb
-
So the Marian commit hustled home on junior left fielder Nevaeh Rangel’s flyout in the ninth inning, trying to break a scoreless tie.—
Michael Osipoff,
Chicago Tribune,
14 June 2025
-
Related Stories Kim Novak to Be Honored at Venice Film Festival With Golden Lion for Lifetime Achievement Based on true events, the romantic thriller will follow three friends, Goldie (Grey), Blake (Fodé), and Angel (Lysette), who must hustle through the night on the streets of Tenderloin.—
Giana Levy,
Variety,
13 June 2025
Noun
-
This isn't the first time the former Sports Illustrated model has shared parenting tips and tricks.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
23 June 2025
-
The magic trick is that Sunny gradually learned how to distinguish its POV from the characters’, showing empathy not only for the Gang’s victims, but also the Gang itself.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
22 June 2025
Verb
-
What to know: Free to enter; no lifeguards or facilities and the salty water can sting cuts or irritate sensitive skin.—
Allison Palmer,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2025
-
According to the Entomology department at North Carolina State, Asian needle ants try to avoid contact with humans, but will sting when pressured.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
16 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimflam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimflam. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share