as in scam
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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Recent Examples of shell game
Budget shell games, in other words.
—
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Despite the political shell games being played by liberal Democrats, the media and even some Republicans, much of President Trump’s policy agenda has broad public support and is largely on track to succeed if enacted.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
This is a shell game — follow the ball as the three cups rotate.
—Alexander Ooms, Denver Post, 27 May 2025
Trump plays 'shell game' with immigration cases: expert Steven Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, noted that in a bevy of recent court rulings, the Trump administration tried to slow down or defeat immigration cases by moving detainees.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell game
The Editorial Board, Oc Register, 21 Oct. 2025
Despite the political shell games being played by liberal Democrats, the media and even some Republicans, much of President Trump’s policy agenda has broad public support and is largely on track to succeed if enacted.
—Steve Forbes, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025
This is a shell game — follow the ball as the three cups rotate.
—Alexander Ooms, Denver Post, 27 May 2025
Trump plays 'shell game' with immigration cases: expert Steven Vladeck, a law professor at Georgetown University, noted that in a bevy of recent court rulings, the Trump administration tried to slow down or defeat immigration cases by moving detainees.
—Bart Jansen, USA Today, 18 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for shell game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell game
scam
Noun
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How to avoid stimulus check scams As plans for any forthcoming checks remain unclear, stimulus scams have become so widespread that the IRS has cautioned the public to stay vigilant.—
Cheyenne Derksen,
Oklahoman,
20 Feb. 2026
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Keep your items close and protected The amount of local scams and pickpockets in many European cities is a constant issue for travelers.—
Jillian Dara,
Travel + Leisure,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Shell game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20game. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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