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
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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 Governor’s move, undertaken at Donald Trump’s behest, was a clear ploy to help Republicans preserve their narrow majority in the House by increasing the likelihood of the Party capturing five additional congressional seats in the 2026 midterms.
—
Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025
Authorities suspected the plane crash was a ploy Schrenker used to fake his own death and escape his personal and financial troubles.
—Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
Democrat point fingers on DC statehood while others focus on Trump
National Democrats took a few swings at Trump's declaration, casting it as a political ploy more than a fight to improve public safety.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Some call this a mere ploy by Newsom to deter the Texas Republicans from their plan.
—Thomas Elias, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2025
Authorities suspected the plane crash was a ploy Schrenker used to fake his own death and escape his personal and financial troubles.
—Alexandria Burris, IndyStar, 13 Aug. 2025
Democrat point fingers on DC statehood while others focus on Trump
National Democrats took a few swings at Trump's declaration, casting it as a political ploy more than a fight to improve public safety.
—Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025
Some call this a mere ploy by Newsom to deter the Texas Republicans from their plan.
—Thomas Elias, Oc Register, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
Noun
-
Today’s shortsighted, sellout city politicians are killing the golden goose under the ruse that affordable housing is the be-all and the end-all of life in San Diego.—
U T Readers,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
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The agent, keeping up the ruse, continued to push her on the phone for several minutes.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
30 Aug. 2025
Noun
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News of the talks broke last month as Paramount embarked on a dealmaking spree after closing its $8 billion merger with Skydance.—
Angelique Jackson,
Variety,
4 Sep. 2025
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The school attack, which terrified students and parents, capped a violent spree that left at least three people dead and more than a dozen others wounded across the city.—
Stepheny Price,
FOXNews.com,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Paul looks the part and Savaiinaea has the footwork and athleticism needed to thrive in this zone-blocking scheme.—
Barry Jackson,
Miami Herald,
6 Sep. 2025
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Park’s character in Confidence Queen Park sets one clever trap after another, fitting each scheme into a larger puzzle.—
Joan MacDonald,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
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So is a certain pride in what one is able to get away with, the thrill of learning new tricks and showing them off.—
Daniel D'Addario,
Variety,
2 Sep. 2025
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The trick, according to Brooks, is to think like an entrepreneur and treat your life like a startup.—
Tom Huddleston Jr.,
CNBC,
2 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.
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