ruse

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of ruse are artifice, feint, maneuver, stratagem, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would artifice be a good substitute for ruse?

The meanings of artifice and ruse largely overlap; however, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is it sensible to use feint instead of ruse?

While in some cases nearly identical to ruse, feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When might maneuver be a better fit than ruse?

In some situations, the words maneuver and ruse are roughly equivalent. However, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When can stratagem be used instead of ruse?

The synonyms stratagem and ruse are sometimes interchangeable, but stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When could trick be used to replace ruse?

The words trick and ruse can be used in similar contexts, but trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is wile a more appropriate choice than ruse?

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

used all of his wiles to ingratiate himself

Example 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 ruse Jod saw through ruse, Force’d off his manacles, shot Brutus dead himself, and led his mates onto the Cinder. Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 7 Jan. 2025 Trying to play the part of the IT shadow tough guy in his interrogation, Pembroke easily sees through the ruse. Jeff Spry, Space.com, 4 Jan. 2025 Matty, for her part, isn’t worried about getting in any real trouble if her ruse is uncovered. Noel Murray, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2025 But some of the writers fell for the alleged ruse, which eventually involved the literary agent from a company called PageTurner Press & Media asking for advance payments for services such as book insurance, hiring editors to help update the book or hiring publicists to promote it. Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruse
Noun
  • Fagan, who died in 1969, wrote about his prank repeatedly in his column, which was called Mill Ends—named for the bits and pieces of wood left over at a lumber mill.
    Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Mar. 2025
  • Keith may have been trying to communicate resentment or exert control through his pranks.
    William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Tyler Perry’s latest thriller, Duplicity, hits theaters today, March 20, delivering a suspenseful story of deception, justice, and betrayal.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Trickery, obfuscation, and deception are common in local politics.
    Harvey Levine, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This chip also drives many of the phone's artificial intelligence features, and allows the Pixel 9a to take advantage of all the same AI camera tricks introduced on the Pixel 9 smartphones in 2024.
    Julian Chokkattu, WIRED, 19 Mar. 2025
  • This cat's trick shouldn't be too much of a surprise as many videos of felines opening doors have flooded social media in recent years.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • His delivery of Mantel’s dialogue—modern, intelligent, bristling with implication and subterfuge—is mesmerizingly clear.
    Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
  • With a bit of guidance, navigating between the classic go-to’s and the newer dining options are scattered throughout the properties can lead to incredible culinary discoveries, plenty of popping champagne bottles and even a dash of historical subterfuge.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Its biting satire is complimented by engaging mechanics like the stratagems.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
  • The competitors are in a trancelike state, building a stratagem.
    Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024

Cite this Entry

“Ruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruse. Accessed 28 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on ruse

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