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
-
However, the key to the ruse is that the figures in the left column are fabrications.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
This is one of those movies where a simple plan with a simple objective gets complicated as the characters go to elaborate lengths to pull off a ruse.—
Declan Gallagher,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Noun
-
What To Know Investigators said the scam typically unfolds over four stages.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Aug. 2025
-
Beware of scams and phishing Watch for suspicious activity: Be cautious of any emails or messages that ask for personal information about your baby or family.—
Tinybeans Team,
Miami Herald,
31 July 2025
Verb
-
This year has already seen examples of AI systems willing to deceive, cheat and steal to achieve their goals.—
Matt Egan,
CNN Money,
13 Aug. 2025
-
And rebuilding trust – as anyone knows who has lied or cheated – is far harder than protecting it.—
Teresa Ghilarducci,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
So yes, before the green flag dropped Saturday, with the throwback paint scheme unchipped and pristine — that was the moment that everyone was waiting on.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
-
From a scheme perspective, that would also fall on LaFleur.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, the rise of AI and sophisticated fraud techniques means organizations are managing today's threats with yesterday's tools.—
Chris McHenry,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
-
The audit said the foundations’ inaccurate financial reporting raises the risk of fraud and misappropriation of funds.—
Kristen Taketa,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
This was where Leclerc’s innate ability to hustle a car through a qualifying lap and extract every last ounce of pace made all the difference.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
2 Aug. 2025
-
She’s been hustling on brand deals as well, some that have, like the American Eagle campaign, landed with some controversy.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Clean sheets appeared on the bed as if by magic, a trick many high-end hotels have forgotten.—
Michael Goldstein,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
The brand recommends laying the topper flat to expand for several hours after removing it from the packaging, but shoppers note that fluffing it in the dryer before use also does the trick.—
Maggie Horton,
People.com,
7 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
As for the number of people stung, the beach patrol doesn’t have numbers.—
Todd Karpovich,
Baltimore Sun,
30 July 2025
-
The other hallmark symptoms include swelling—especially around the lips, eyelids or extremities—and a burning or stinging sensation in affected areas.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Flow Space,
23 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Flimflam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimflam. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share