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.
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of gambit
The idea of quickly convening to for a vote on the more than 800-page bill was a risky gambit, one designed to meet Trump’s demand for a holiday finish.
—
Kevin Freking, Fortune, 3 July 2025
The problem with this type of refusal is that a cat-and-mouse gambit is likely to ensue.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Their audacious gambit was launched in response to the gentrification taking place in Providence.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 24 July 2025
Baden Bower’s transparency gambit Baden Bower is preparing to launch a comprehensive transparency initiative in the PR industry.
—Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Kevin Freking, Fortune, 3 July 2025
The problem with this type of refusal is that a cat-and-mouse gambit is likely to ensue.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
Their audacious gambit was launched in response to the gentrification taking place in Providence.
—Addie Morfoot, Variety, 24 July 2025
Baden Bower’s transparency gambit Baden Bower is preparing to launch a comprehensive transparency initiative in the PR industry.
—Ascend Agency, Baltimore Sun, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
Noun
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However, the key to the ruse is that the figures in the left column are fabrications.—
Robert Goulder,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
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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
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Drawing on exclusive data sourced from North Korean computers, court records and interviews with cybersecurity experts and US officials, a CNN investigation revealed the full scope of this scheme.—
Jade Walker,
CNN Money,
5 Aug. 2025
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Alaska Airlines is updating its Boeing 787s with a new paint scheme and plans to introduce new business class cabins.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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