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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ploy
The Thing’s first pitch was a ploy to spark buzz for the upcoming season of Wednesday.
—
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Kern drew backlash for changing his surname from Hidalgo to Kern ahead of a 1998 congressional run, which opponents called a ploy to appeal to White voters.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Industry watchdogs say threatening closure in response to state or federal enforcement actions is a familiar ploy for nursing home owners.
—Eli Cahan, ProPublica, 23 Mar. 2026
The official called it a ploy to manipulate markets and said there’s no communication lines between the two countries.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Kern drew backlash for changing his surname from Hidalgo to Kern ahead of a 1998 congressional run, which opponents called a ploy to appeal to White voters.
—Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 Mar. 2026
Industry watchdogs say threatening closure in response to state or federal enforcement actions is a familiar ploy for nursing home owners.
—Eli Cahan, ProPublica, 23 Mar. 2026
The official called it a ploy to manipulate markets and said there’s no communication lines between the two countries.
—Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
Noun
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In order to ensure the ruse is never uncovered, the twins swap places regularly, sharing equal parts — both good and bad — of each other's everyday lives.—
Matt Cabral,
Entertainment Weekly,
13 Apr. 2026
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Carreyrou acknowledged an obvious objection to this thesis—that there is a lengthy paper trail of Back corresponding with Satoshi—but explains it away by saying that Back was actually writing to himself as part of an elaborate ruse to throw would-be unmaskers off the trail.—
Jeff John Roberts,
Fortune,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Lilly has been on a deal-making spree this year, announcing several acquisitions like sleep disorder drug developer Centessa Pharmaceuticals and cell therapy company Orna Therapeutics.—
Angelica Peebles,
CNBC,
20 Apr. 2026
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The suspect in the DeKalb County shooting spree and the man authorities say provided him the handgun are now both facing federal charges.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Gentry’s lean frame limits his play strength, and the role fit will vary wildly depending on the scheme, but going to tempt creative coaching staffs.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Apr. 2026
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The players were not aware that they were being used as part of the scheme, officials said.—
Dan Raby,
CBS News,
17 Apr. 2026
Noun
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With a little encouragement, and after a bit of sake, Isa Briones will pull out her party trick at karaoke.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
17 Apr. 2026
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The trick is to hydrate earlier in the day and cut fluids at least an hour before bed, to make sure you’re not woken up by multiple trips to the bathroom.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.
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