as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end
I couldn't tell whether her earlier poor-mouthing had been sincere or just a gambit to get me to pick up the dinner check
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 gambit
In wrapping his Columbia gambit in an anti-antisemitism package, Trump has placed liberal-minded Jews like me in a box.
—
Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
The gambit — aimed at districts held by Republicans facing tough reelection contests — was initiated after House GOP leaders advised Republican lawmakers not to meet face-to-face with voters in large, public forums amid the outcry over President Trump’s efforts to remake Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, that proved a successful gambit, with the Big Smasher helping Chili’s register a 15% jump in same-store sales following its release.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
There could be important body language and facial expressions that enter the gambit.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Ben Krull, New York Daily News, 12 Apr. 2025
The gambit — aimed at districts held by Republicans facing tough reelection contests — was initiated after House GOP leaders advised Republican lawmakers not to meet face-to-face with voters in large, public forums amid the outcry over President Trump’s efforts to remake Washington.
—Mike Lillis, The Hill, 20 Apr. 2025
Ultimately, that proved a successful gambit, with the Big Smasher helping Chili’s register a 15% jump in same-store sales following its release.
—Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2025
There could be important body language and facial expressions that enter the gambit.
—Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for gambit
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gambit
Noun
-
Vulture Parent Puppet The puppet ruse is designed to prevent the baby from imprinting on humans.—
Amanda Kooser,
Forbes.com,
30 Apr. 2025
-
Those ruses have spurred restrictive voting laws across the country, despite the failure over the years of anybody finding fraud happening beyond small and rare instances — and certainly not at the scale of deciding major elections.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
27 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The fraud scheme The murder was part of a broader financial fraud scheme.—
Isabella Wandermurem,
Time,
1 May 2025
-
Los Angeles doubled down on a defensive scheme that largely left Gobert unattended in an effort to account for Anthony Edwards.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
1 May 2025
Noun
-
The trick is to find multiple locations that are close enough together and decide on a menu that feels cohesive.—
Lisa Cericola,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
-
The trick will be whether the Bruins are paying for a career year or reliable future performance.—
Fluto Shinzawa,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Gambit.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gambit. Accessed 11 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share