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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Recent Examples of gambit
Alessio is a sharp critic of both the misuse of reserves and the term-limit gambit.
—
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
In theory, the gambit should secure more value of GameStop’s shareholders than going solo, even if the combination’s shares decline.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
The gambit worked, and the DOJ probe was dropped on April 24.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
Jeffries tears into DeSantis as 'charismatically challenged' over redistricting gambit.
—FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambit
U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
In theory, the gambit should secure more value of GameStop’s shareholders than going solo, even if the combination’s shares decline.
—Shawn Tully, Fortune, 9 May 2026
The gambit worked, and the DOJ probe was dropped on April 24.
—ABC News, 6 May 2026
Jeffries tears into DeSantis as 'charismatically challenged' over redistricting gambit.
—FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
Noun
-
As Paula finally reaches Detective Gonzalez and excitedly chatters about her wire transfer ruse, the wry officer isn’t amused.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
Sunday outsmarted Adam and Hannah with a ruse at Tribal Council.—
Dalton Ross,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 May 2026
Noun
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Rozier was arrested in October along with former NBA player Damon Jones, who pleaded guilty last month for his role in schemes to defraud major sportsbooks including DraftKings and FanDuel.—
Rebecca Boone,
Fortune,
29 May 2026
-
The storage scheme is no slouch, either.—
John Burek,
PC Magazine,
29 May 2026
Noun
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And are there any tips and tricks for planning and executing the perfect anti-aging trip?—
Alessandra Signorelli,
Vogue,
29 May 2026
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Since Hathaway's viral video, people have posted themselves doing her trick, sometimes to shocking results.—
Charles Trepany,
USA Today,
29 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 31 May. 2026.
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