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
• diversion
• antic
• 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

Rather than a market ploy, however, that passion can come from the filmmakers themselves. — John Hopewell, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026

However, Range Rover has another potential ploy to lure electric skeptics. — James Morris, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

In a ploy that might sound familiar to Democrats in the United States today, Militant instructed its members to join Labour, ascend its ranks, and advance the group’s cause from the inside. — James Kirchick, The Atlantic, 21 July 2026

The idea that laws aimed at keeping males out of girls' sports is actually a ploy to keep girls from playing girls' sports is too ridiculous to entertain. — Dan Zaksheske Outkick, FOXNews.com, 14 July 2026