ploy

noun

ˈplȯi How to pronounce ploy (audio)
Synonyms of ploynext
1
: escapade, frolic
2
a
: a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent
b
: a devised or contrived move : stratagem
a ploy to get her to open the door— Robert B. Parker

Synonyms

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Examples of ploy in a Sentence

Her story about being sick is only a ploy to get you to give her money. asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The ploy broke a decades-long taboo in German politics. — Jim Tankersley, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2025 And Gabriel Macht and Rick Hoffman on Suits LA is more of a curiosity ploy than a long-term maneuver. — Marc Berman, Forbes, 6 Mar. 2025 There seems to be an active ploy to hit the left wing. — Mark Carey, The Athletic, 25 Feb. 2025 Outscoring the opposition appears to be the chief ploy from here on in, with defensive injuries and (dis)organisation unlikely to be fixed short term. — Jacob Tanswell, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ploy

Word History

Etymology

probably from employ

First Known Use

1697, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ploy was in 1697

Phrases Containing ploy

Rhymes for ploy

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Browse Nearby Words

plowwright
ploy
pls
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Cite this Entry

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ploy. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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Kids Definition

ploy

noun
ˈplȯi How to pronounce ploy (audio)
: a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent

More from Merriam-Webster on ploy

Nglish: Translation of ploy for Spanish Speakers

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