as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
The seemingly benign questioning was all just a gambit to get them to fess up to their wrongdoing.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 gambit
The battle for control of the House is playing out in fewer competitive seats in the aftermath of the Republicans’ redistricting gambit and a Supreme Court decision that overturned a key portion of the Voting Rights Act.
—
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
The international tourist trade — a key source of Hollywood foot traffic — had a tough 2025 amid the fires and Trump’s foreign and trade policy gambits.
—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
At that time, the Bears responded enthusiastically to Indiana’s gambit.
—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
But Democrats' gambit to eliminate the fund failed in a 49 to 50 vote on an amendment that kicked off the vote series.
—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambit
David M. Drucker,
Twin Cities,
9 June 2026
The international tourist trade — a key source of Hollywood foot traffic — had a tough 2025 amid the fires and Trump’s foreign and trade policy gambits.
—
Deputy Managing Editor,
Los Angeles Times,
7 June 2026
At that time, the Bears responded enthusiastically to Indiana’s gambit.
—
Robert McCoppin,
Chicago Tribune,
5 June 2026
But Democrats' gambit to eliminate the fund failed in a 49 to 50 vote on an amendment that kicked off the vote series.
—
Kaia Hubbard,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
Noun
-
Early the next morning, the authorities were at Burdette’s door, this time without a ruse.
-
Of course, this could all be a literally and figurative swift ruse on the part of the Miss Americana superstar and her Super Bowl-winning fiancé.
Noun
-
Prosecutors allege Eidleh, along with other members of the scheme, solicited and received bribes and kickbacks from individuals and companies seeking approval to operate fraudulent Federal Child Nutrition Program sites.
-
This has fueled the ‘spend not sell’ movement, in which builders seek to familiarize users with earning and spending their bitcoin rather than trading and falling for get-rich-quick schemes.
Noun
-
Boutique gems, new offers win the day Elevated VIP-style vacays with truffles, oysters and bubbly are attainable with some tips and tricks.
-
Sora Shirai captured victory after maintaining his lead through the best trick section, while teammates Kairi Netsuke and Toa Sasaki climbed from the bottom of the leaderboard with clutch final tricks to complete a Japanese podium sweep.
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
