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.
This motion is a ploy to delay producing documents and communications that UMG hopes to keep hidden and buried. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 19 Mar. 2025 As a campaign tactic, the ploy worked, but Ford never managed to lower prices. — Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2025 Some sides generally seem unfazed by the ploy, with Liverpool yet to be beaten in the Premier League across the 29 times they have been turned around since 2016-17. — Thom Harris, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025 Experts say many of Trump's supporters see the dozens of felony convictions against the president in a separate case in New York as part of an establishment ploy to suppress their discontent. — Alana Wise, NPR, 20 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 31 Mar. 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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