Synonyms of trickery

trickery

noun

ˈtri-k(ə-)rē 

as in deception

the use of clever underhanded actions to achieve an end

Delia resorted to trickery—even loading up the fishing equipment—to induce her dog into the car for his vet appointment

Synonyms & Similar Words

• deception
• subterfuge
• treachery
• deceptiveness
• chicanery
• jugglery
• gamesmanship
• cunning
• skulduggery
• legerdemain
• artfulness
• deceit
• stealth
• secrecy
• scheming
• jiggery-pokery
• chicane
• wile
• artifice
• hanky-panky
• plotting
• shrewdness
• deceitfulness
• duplicity
• deviousness
• sneakiness
• underhandedness
• guile
• slyness
• hypocrisy
• shiftiness
• fakery
• craftiness
• dishonesty
• dissimulation
• insincerity
• double-dealing
• slipperiness
• slickness
• design
• quackery
• crookedness
• wiliness
• imposture
• humbuggery
• oiliness
• shadiness
• dupery
• crookery
• caginess
• sharpness
• dirty tricks
• dirty pool
• foxiness
• guilefulness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• sincerity
• artlessness
• ingenuousness
• guilelessness
• forthrightness
• directness
• openness
• candor
• plainness
• candidness
• plainspokenness

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun trickery differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of trickery are deception, double-dealing, fraud, and subterfuge. While all these words mean "the acts or practices of one who deliberately deceives," trickery implies ingenious acts intended to dupe or cheat.

resorted to trickery to gain their ends

Where would deception be a reasonable alternative to trickery?

The meanings of deception and trickery largely overlap; however, deception may or may not imply blameworthiness, since it may suggest cheating or merely tactical resource.

magicians are masters of deception

When is double-dealing a more appropriate choice than trickery?

The words double-dealing and trickery can be used in similar contexts, but double-dealing suggests treachery or at least action contrary to a professed attitude.

a go-between suspected of double-dealing

In what contexts can fraud take the place of trickery?

Although the words fraud and trickery have much in common, fraud always implies guilt and often criminality in act or practice.

indicted for fraud

When could subterfuge be used to replace trickery?

While in some cases nearly identical to trickery, subterfuge suggests the adoption of a stratagem or the telling of a lie in order to escape guilt or to gain an end.

obtained the papers by subterfuge

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trickery

There's no shame, no trickery—just relief and a chance to rebuild your financial stability. — Charles T. Almond Iii, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026

Brazilian legend Pelé’s explosive debut at the 1958 World Cup at 17, Argentine talisman Diego Maradona’s individual brilliance and trickery at the 1986 World Cup, and French forward Kylian Mbappé’s heroics at the 2018 tournament are just a few that come to mind. — Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026

But ultimately, Williams believes AI can be an extension of editing trickery that has existed since the dawn of filmmaking. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 27 May 2026

Consider, too, relatively new forms of trickery, such as manipulating substitution procedures or spying on rivals. — Cesar R. Torres, The Conversation, 26 May 2026