Thesaurus results for STRATAGEM

stratagem

noun

ˈstra-tə-jəm

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end tried various stratagems to get the cat into the carrier, but the feisty feline was wise to them all

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word stratagem different from other nouns like it?

Some common synonyms of stratagem are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

In what contexts can artifice take the place of stratagem?

While in some cases nearly identical to stratagem, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is feint a more appropriate choice than stratagem?

The synonyms feint and stratagem are sometimes interchangeable, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When could maneuver be used to replace stratagem?

The meanings of maneuver and stratagem largely overlap; however, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would ruse be a reasonable alternative to stratagem?

The words ruse and stratagem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would trick be a good substitute for stratagem?

While the synonyms trick and stratagem are close in meaning, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is it sensible to use wile instead of stratagem?

Although the words wile and stratagem have much in common, wile suggests an attempt to entrap or deceive with false allurements.

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

Examples 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 stratagem Sociology is simply a bullet point in political stratagems seeking to dismantle American institutions from the inside out. —

Carol J. Petty, Baltimore Sun, 2 Feb. 2024 Palestinians have also been the victims of another, much more sinister stratagem—their deliberate dehumanization. —

Laila El-Haddad, The New Republic, 1 Nov. 2023 The football stratagem is seen as a one-time-only maneuver made due to extraordinary circumstances. —

Brian Steinberg, Variety, 18 Sep. 2023 Historians and human rights activists, however, said that for decades, with Mr. Mandela languishing as a prisoner of conscience, Mr. Buthelezi amplified his power with devious stratagems. —

Robert D. McFadden, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for stratagem

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stratagem

Noun

Sunday outsmarted Adam and Hannah with a ruse at Tribal Council.

Dalton Ross, EW.com, 12 Dec. 2024
That was a ruse for Litton, who does not have a grandson, to get onto campus, Honea said.

Phil Helsel, NBC News, 6 Dec. 2024