shell games

noun

plural of shell game
as in scams
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value it's amazing how intelligent people fall for that investment-fund shell game

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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 shell games Budget shell games, in other words. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell games
scams
Noun
  • Older adults are particularly vulnerable to identity theft and other scams and are often advised to ignore junk mail and calls from telemarketers.
    — Susan Jaffe, NPR, 6 July 2026
  • Online dating scams often involve someone building trust over time before requesting money, financial assistance, gift cards, or personal financial information.
    — Matthew Kayser Updated July 6, Miami Herald, 6 July 2026
Definition of scams

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shell game
shell games
shelling
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Cite this Entry

“Shell games.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20games. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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