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

This felt like another ploy from City to yet again prove that nothing is wrong, and everything will be totally okay. — Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

It has been pointed out that the anthropomorphization of AI is a ploy to endear us to a technology that may destroy humanity and the world, probably in that order. — Jasmine Vojdani, Vulture, 7 Oct. 2026

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