Synonyms of ploys

ploys

noun

plural of ploy

1

as in ruses

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

• ruses
• schemes
• devices
• tricks
• stratagems
• gambits
• wiles
• artifices
• gimmicks
• sleights
• jigs
• shenanigans
• dodges
• knacks
• deceptions
• plays
• subterfuges
• bluffs
• juggles
• sleights of hand
• fetches
• trickeries
• feints
• hoaxes
• flimflams
• duplicities
• chicaneries
• frauds
• swindles
• crafts
• end runs
• juggleries
• cunnings
• gaffs
• cozenages
• duperies
• blinds
• legerdemains
• skulduggeries
• fakeries
• shams
• fronts
• smoke screens
• crookeries

2

as in sprees

a time or instance of carefree fun

wanted one grand ploy through Europe before settling down and raising a family

Synonyms & Similar Words

• sprees
• festivities
• idylls
• pranks
• larks
• gambols
• romps
• revels
• flings
• frolics
• binges
• frisks
• escapades
• antics
• rollicks
• capers
• shenanigans
• enjoyments
• amusements
• benders
• pleasures
• entertainments
• indulgences
• bums
• diversions
• souses
• toots
• splores
• carouses
• merriments
• busts
• recreations
• monkeyshines
• field days
• merrymakings
• self-indulgences
• brannigans

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ploys

Paramount has tried various ploys to put political pressure on Bonta — op-eds, letters from allies, threats to leave California, politicians’ statements — which Bonta has largely brushed off. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026

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

No tactical ploys or tweaks could save him. — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 25 May 2026

While court orders that block counterfeiters can help to safeguard intellectual property, sometimes those counterfeiters simply turn to other aliases and cybersquatting ploys to continue their activities. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 14 May 2026

After several unsuccessful ploys by his henchmen to save his life — including one that would be attempted post-hanging — Cardinella was down to one last try. — Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 15 Apr. 2026

There’s the White House and its malicious megaphone of mindlessness; the generative AI advocates and their pushy, pathetic ploys; the Major League Baseball owners and their dedication to self-destruction. — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Feb. 2026

Their poverty, the fruit of Salieri’s malicious ploys, tests the limits of their endurance. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026

There are numerous other bold characters getting tangled up in new ploys aimed at giving them a step up in a world that wants to keep them tamped down. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 2026