ploy

noun

ˈplȯi How to pronounce ploy (audio)
Definition of ploynext
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

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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

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 ploy Another candidate, 27-year-old progressive organizer and substitute teacher Elijah Manley, said Republicans’ redistricting ploy is not Wasserman Schultz’s fault. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 Another Black candidate, 27-year-old progressive organizer and substitute teacher Elijah Manley, said Republicans’ redistricting ploy is not Wasserman Schultz’s fault. — Bill Barrow, Fortune, 17 Aug. 2026 At 28 years old, the sizeable outlay on the Brazilian midfielder continues Arsenal’s ploy of spending big money on players who can immediately improve their first team. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 12 Aug. 2026 The ruse was a ploy designed to protect the president amid a possible threat to his safety on his trip to Turkey for a NATO summit. — Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
  1. ruse
  2. spree
  3. scheme
  4. trick
Noun
  • One such ruse, revealed by The Athletic in August 2024, involved a team of pickpockets being hired to teach his squad the importance of being ready, alert and prepared at all times.
    — Art de Roché, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Trial and later life The promise of immunity had been a ruse—as well as not legally binding—and Kiritsis was charged with kidnapping, armed robbery, and armed extortion.
    — Frannie Comstock, Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • Indeed, some even view the market downturn as a natural return to a more balanced field following the high-flying peak TV buying sprees of global streamers.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Duolingo says Apple 'named a phone after me' Duolingo also went on a posting spree on X after the announcement.
    — Melina Khan, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of spree
Noun
  • At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Spann-Ford has been utilized in the offense as a key part of its run block scheme while helping to pave the way for outside runs.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Sep. 2026
  • The Quebec duo’s face-concealing masks, geometrical hats and polka-dot fashion schemes might scream novelty, but its virtuosic, largely instrumental fare is the genuine article.
    — Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • The Cinderella dress that Kaitlyn Argyriou’s mother had sewn for her as a child and which Argyriou’s daughter, Avery, 4, had planned to wear trick-or-treating in Colorado Springs on Halloween.
    — Eric Adler, Kansas City Star, 5 Sep. 2026
  • The tips and tricks for maintaining hosiery that used to be passed down by family and friends are in danger of being lost to time and ever-changing fashion trends.
    — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of trick

Browse Nearby Words

plows
ploy
ploys
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Cite this Entry

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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