as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
I couldn't tell whether her earlier poor-mouthing had been sincere or just a gambit to get me to pick up the dinner check
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Recent Examples of gambit
In wrapping his Columbia gambit in an anti-antisemitism package, Trump has placed liberal-minded Jews like me in a box.
—
Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
The gambit — aimed at districts held by Republicans facing tough reelection contests — was initiated after House GOP leaders advised Republican lawmakers not to meet face-to-face with voters in large, public forums amid the outcry over President Trump’s efforts to remake Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, that proved a successful gambit, with the Big Smasher helping Chili’s register a 15% jump in same-store sales following its release.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
There could be important body language and facial expressions that enter the gambit.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
The gambit — aimed at districts held by Republicans facing tough reelection contests — was initiated after House GOP leaders advised Republican lawmakers not to meet face-to-face with voters in large, public forums amid the outcry over President Trump’s efforts to remake Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, that proved a successful gambit, with the Big Smasher helping Chili’s register a 15% jump in same-store sales following its release.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
There could be important body language and facial expressions that enter the gambit.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
Noun
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Can Charity, who is not exactly mentally stable, maintain the ruse forever?—
Maureen Lee Lenker,
EW.com,
2 May 2025
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Despite multiple interviews, background checks, and reference calls, the ruse held until malware activity triggered an alert.—
Alonzo Martinez,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.—
Douglas Hanks,
Miami Herald,
13 May 2025
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Hometown’s stock price rose by more than 900% during the scheme.—
Dan Mangan,
CNBC,
13 May 2025
Noun
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Rea allowed one run over 5 1/3 innings, improving to 4-0 with another no-flash performance that did the trick.—
Paul Sullivan,
Chicago Tribune,
19 May 2025
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Label tricks, regional cues and color considerations for better picking at the wine shop.—
Rachel King,
Forbes.com,
17 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 21 May. 2025.
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