Synonyms of ploy

ploy

noun

ˈplȯi 

1

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• scheme
• trick
• device
• stratagem
• gambit
• gimmick
• jig
• dodge
• fetch
• knack
• sleight of hand
• bluff
• flimflam
• wile
• sleight
• deception
• play
• subterfuge
• cunning
• artifice
• hoax
• trickery
• juggle
• shenanigan
• feint
• duplicity
• swindle
• end run
• chicanery
• swindling
• jugglery
• cheating
• fakery
• skulduggery
• legerdemain
• fraud
• sham
• cozenage
• gaff
• blind
• craft
• smoke screen
• crookery
• dupery
• front

2

as in spree

a time or instance of carefree fun

wanted one grand ploy through Europe before settling down and raising a family

Synonyms & Similar Words

• spree
• lark
• fling
• romp
• idyll
• prank
• revel
• frisk
• binge
• gambol
• caper
• escapade
• rollick
• frolic
• festivity
• bender
• souse
• bum
• splore
• antic
• diversion
• amusement
• toot
• carouse
• indulgence
• shenanigan(s)
• enjoyment
• field day
• merrymaking
• entertainment
• merriment
• bust
• brannigan
• monkeyshine(s)
• pleasure
• recreation
• self-indulgence

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of ploy

Uthmeier’s deputy chief of staff, Jeremy Redfern, told the Herald/Times that the letter is nothing more than a campaign ploy. — Liv Caputo Herald, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026

The post was actually just a ploy to get more people to listen to the song. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026

Supporters of the administration view this back and forth as a cunning ploy to buy time for the United States to position itself more advantageously for a confrontation. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026

Paramount has tried various ploys to put political pressure on Bonta — op-eds, letters from allies, threats to leave California, politicians’ statements — which Bonta has largely brushed off. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026