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
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Recent Examples of ploy
Lyman Ward played Ferris' dad, whose busy work schedule kept him conveniently distracted from his teenage son's ploys.
—
Emma Urdangen,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Some suggest that this bill of goods (brought to you by the same spin masters who wanted to develop our public parks) is a ploy to increase voter turnout in November.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2026
What starts out as a ploy to get the attention of Hannah’s crush Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston) turns into reel feelings between the singer songwriter and the hockey athlete.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Restrain your anger and disappointment over FIFA’s corporate greed and unabashed ploy to capitalize on this every-four-year money grab.
—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Emma Urdangen,
PEOPLE,
14 June 2026
Some suggest that this bill of goods (brought to you by the same spin masters who wanted to develop our public parks) is a ploy to increase voter turnout in November.
—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
13 June 2026
What starts out as a ploy to get the attention of Hannah’s crush Justin Kohl (Josh Heuston) turns into reel feelings between the singer songwriter and the hockey athlete.
—
Dessi Gomez,
Deadline,
11 June 2026
Restrain your anger and disappointment over FIFA’s corporate greed and unabashed ploy to capitalize on this every-four-year money grab.
—
Cam Inman,
Mercury News,
8 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
Noun
-
At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.
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Such offenders will use all different ruses to distract the victim, such as claiming to be utility workers, tree trimmers, or handymen working on neighbors' houses.
Noun
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My records show that pike are liable to begin a feeding spree anytime during the day.
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After a week’s worth of trade fireworks—Giannis Antetokounmpo, LaMelo Ball and Kawhi Leonard are all on the move, among others—teams didn’t rush into a free-agent spending spree.
Noun
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The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.
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The other company whose shares were manipulated in the scheme, E-Waste, had an even higher market cap at some point, despite being nothing more than a shell company.
Noun
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Boutique gems, new offers win the day Elevated VIP-style vacays with truffles, oysters and bubbly are attainable with some tips and tricks.
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Sora Shirai captured victory after maintaining his lead through the best trick section, while teammates Kairi Netsuke and Toa Sasaki climbed from the bottom of the leaderboard with clutch final tricks to complete a Japanese podium sweep.
Cite this Entry
“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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