Synonyms for

Ploy

Verb / plɔɪ / Another word for ploy — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

a cunning plan or action designed to turn a situation to one's own advantage

Synonyms & similar words

stratagem gambit scheme trick maneuver tactic strategy device gambit ruse ploy ploy plan plot wile artifice deception subterfuge dodge feint sham pretense

Synonyms by register

Formal

stratagem maneuver tactic scheme

Informal

trick stunt gimmick game

Literary

artifice ruse

Antonyms

honesty sincerity openness candor truthfulness frankness

Common collocations

  • clever ploy
  • desperate ploy
  • obvious ploy
  • political ploy
  • marketing ploy
  • fall for a ploy
  • see through a ploy

Word family

noun ploy
verb ploy

Usage note

A 'ploy' is typically a cunning or deceptive action designed to gain an advantage. It often implies a degree of trickery or manipulation.

Example sentences

  1. He used a ploy to get out of doing his homework.
  2. The politician's ploy was to promise tax cuts.
  3. She used a ploy to get her little brother to stop bothering her.
  4. The team's ploy was to distract the other team's star player.
  5. The company's ploy was to offer free samples to attract new customers.

Quotes

  • The best ploy is to be open and sincere, to admit frankly what you are thinking and what you are doing, and to keep nothing back.
  • Life is a ploy, and there are no rules.
  • The ploy of the United States is to distract us from China's rise.

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