gambit

noun

ˈgam-bət How to pronounce gambit (audio)
Definition of gambitnext
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

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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 president's midterm-year gambit, announced at the GOP's convention this week in Dallas, seemed to catch many Republican leaders by surprise. — Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2026 The gambit proves little more than a cliché and sheds no further light on what these recollections offer the main story. — Marshall Shaffer, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 The gambit almost succeeded as five House Republicans voted against bringing the socialism resolution to the floor. — Washington Examiner Staff, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026 Beijing's response casts doubt on whether Washington’s new gambit can deliver results. — Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
  1. ruse
  2. scheme
  3. trick
Noun
  • What about when Carole was hiding in the closet to try to overhear Luann calling her a pedophile, and Jules Wainstein kept trying to ruin her ruse?
    — Brian Moylan, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Last-ditch plan for prosecution Authorities next developed what Smallwood described as a last-ditch plan to prosecute Tanzer — a ruse that could catch him lying about the rape.
    — Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • Argentina’s citizen by investment scheme will offer numerous perks for travelers, including unlocking frictionless access to some of the most popular international destinations.
    — Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.
    — Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Kids can explore an inflatable corn maze, go trick-or-treating, face painting and more.
    — John Coffren, Baltimore Sun, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Beamer’s acumen in the game’s third phase comes from father, Hall of Famer Frank Beamer, whose Virginia Tech teams won games by blocking kicks and using trick plays.
    — Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of trick

Browse Nearby Words

gambadoes
gambit
gambits
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Cite this Entry

“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on gambit

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about gambit

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