as in deceptions
an act that is used to fool someone
His act was just a clever ruse to get me to go out with him.
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Recent Examples of ruses
They are accused of using several ruses to force their way into people’s homes, assaulting unsuspecting residents and holding them hostage for their own money, and demanding access to their crypto accounts.
—
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Kids will quickly see through her ruses.
—
Elise Broach,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
The New York Colored American reported that some offers of short-term work for Black men — moving livestock to or from Kentucky, for example — were ruses that ended with kidnappings.
—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Many suspect a spam call and don't pick up the phone, leading foundation staff to sometimes devise ruses.
—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Episode 4 finds both Ellen and Julia throwing themselves headlong into plans that require them to keep up major ruses.
—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
Andy Rose,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
Kids will quickly see through her ruses.
—
Elise Broach,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
The New York Colored American reported that some offers of short-term work for Black men — moving livestock to or from Kentucky, for example — were ruses that ended with kidnappings.
—
Equal Justice Initiative,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Many suspect a spam call and don't pick up the phone, leading foundation staff to sometimes devise ruses.
—
Kelly Meyerhofer,
jsonline.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Episode 4 finds both Ellen and Julia throwing themselves headlong into plans that require them to keep up major ruses.
—
Kimberly Roots,
TVLine,
22 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruses
Noun
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Police used the incident to warn the public that pranks involving Orbeez guns, airsoft guns, or other toy firearms can provoke dangerous reactions and lead to criminal charges.
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In the special, Arcuri tackles topics like marital pranks and urinal mind games while contending, on the more serious side, with his wife Katie Thurston’s cancer journey.
Noun
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Yamal’s flicks and tricks in his 45-minute appearance were almost enough to make memories for life, while Oyarzabal should have completed his hat-trick (both players would be substituted at the break).
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Vinícius Júnior’s extensive and varied skill set includes blinding speed, dazzling dribbling tricks, and the ability to effortlessly slip past defenders.
Cite this Entry
“Ruses.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruses. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
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