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 Fortunately, the authors of the study point out several things states can and should do to prevent these kinds of financial shell games. — Peter Ubel, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026 Budget shell games, in other words. — The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell games
scams
Noun
  • Unlike phishing scams or malware-laden emails that cast wide nets and hope to lure in random victims, zero-click attacks are highly targeted.
    — Justyn Newman, PC Magazine, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Harvey is now chief advocate officer at Turnout, a $400 million AI startup helping Americans claim government benefits — two years after AI deepfake scams used his cloned voice to push a fake $6,400 government check to millions.
    — Victor Dey, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 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 12 Aug. 2026.

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