Thesaurus results for PLOY

ploy

noun

ˈplȯi

Definition of ploy

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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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 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 Several opposition skeptics view his gestures of peace toward Kurds as little more than a political ploy to gain popularity and extend his term in office. — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 11 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ploy

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy

Noun

There’s a fun bit when Green pulls her badge to walk Reacher out through the police cordon, pretending to have placed him under arrest, but the ruse doesn’t last long.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
Patterson was accused of pretending to eat the same portion, and of feigning illness in an elaborate ruse to suggest she’d also been poisoned.

— Hilary Whiteman, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of ruse

Noun

McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.

— Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.

— Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of trick

Browse Nearby Words

plows

ploy

ploys

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Style

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of ploy

noun

Example Sentences

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