Synonyms of trickster

trickster

noun

ˈtrik-stər 

1

as in cheat

a dishonest person who uses clever means to cheat others out of something of value

a heartless trickster swindled the elderly woman out of her life savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cheat
• dodger
• shark
• swindler
• sharper
• cheater
• skinner
• scammer
• fraudster
• chiseler
• fox
• confidence man
• defrauder
• phony
• adventurer
• fakir
• tricker
• hoaxer
• bilk
• scamster
• sharpie
• ringer
• charlatan
• cozener
• pretender
• finagler
• bilker
• impostor
• mountebank
• knave
• faker
• rogue
• quack
• rascal
• prankster
• sneaker
• sham
• fake
• schemer
• sneak
• gamesman
• double-dealer
• bluffer
• double-crosser
• plotter
• cardsharp
• slickster
• humbug
• slicker
• fast-talker
• wheeler-dealer
• slick
• quacksalver
• blackleg
• slyboots
• smoothy

2

as in magician

one who practices tricks and illusions for entertainment

a very adept trickster who used mirrors to make huge items—even buildings—seem to disappear

Synonyms & Similar Words

• magician
• illusionist
• conjurer
• prestidigitator
• charmer
• enchanter
• enchantress

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of trickster

The Coens’ script really leans into the idea of Ulysses/Odysseus as a clever trickster fond of disguises and schemes. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 18 July 2026

Odysseus is a complex character known for being brilliant and crafty, but also being somewhat of an arrogant trickster. — Skyler Trepel, PEOPLE, 17 July 2026

Yet in his film, Nolan almost completely does away with Odysseus the trickster. — Natasha O'Neill, Vanity Fair, 16 July 2026

But the scares were middling to begin with because Øvredal — a game but overeager trickster — telegraphs his set pieces as if he were equipped with a flare gun and detour cones. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026