Synonyms of ploy

ploy

noun

ˈplȯi 

1

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• scheme
• trick
• device
• stratagem
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• dodge
• fetch
• knack
• sleight of hand
• bluff
• flimflam
• wile
• sleight
• deception
• play
• subterfuge
• cunning
• artifice
• hoax
• trickery
• juggle
• shenanigan
• feint
• duplicity
• swindle
• end run
• chicanery
• swindling
• jugglery
• cheating
• fakery
• skulduggery
• legerdemain
• fraud
• sham
• cozenage
• gaff
• blind
• craft
• smoke screen
• crookery
• dupery
• front

2

as in spree

a time or instance of carefree fun

wanted one grand ploy through Europe before settling down and raising a family

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spree
• lark
• fling
• romp
• idyll
• prank
• revel
• frisk
• binge
• gambol
• caper
• escapade
• rollick
• frolic
• festivity
• bender
• souse
• bum
• splore
• antic
• diversion
• amusement
• toot
• carouse
• indulgence
• shenanigan(s)
• enjoyment
• field day
• merrymaking
• entertainment
• merriment
• bust
• brannigan
• monkeyshine(s)
• pleasure
• recreation
• self-indulgence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ploy

In an opinion essay Sunday, a trio of 1st Amendment and antitrust experts dismissed Paramount’s threat to leave Los Angeles as a ploy that doesn’t make business sense. — Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2026

Critics dismissed the threat as a ploy to manufacture leverage in deal discussions. — Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

It may be overlooked, considering how comfortable Suzuki appears when carrying out Unai Emery’s ploy of his backline baiting an opponent’s press, but at Parma, he was required to kick mostly long. — Aston Villa, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026

Uthmeier’s deputy chief of staff, Jeremy Redfern, told the Herald/Times that the letter is nothing more than a campaign ploy. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026