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
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2
as in spree
a time or instance of carefree fun
wanted one grand ploy through Europe before settling down and raising a family
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of ploy
Critics have long accused her of using her status as a mother to avoid jail time and gain sympathy — but in her first interview from prison, Holmes insists to PEOPLE that parenthood wasn’t a ploy.
—
Danielle Bacher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
This time, there’s a first-class version Social media reaction
Núñez Vicente’s design has gone viral on more than one occasion — with some prospective travelers cracking jokes about passing wind, while others suggest the design is a cynical ploy to cram more passengers into the cabin.
—Francesca Street, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
From David Makovsky: Trump's Gaza Plan Is a Clever Negotiation Tactic
The question is whether Trump's idea about Gaza is a plan or a ploy.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In the longer term, Trump’s ploy to improve the federal workforce could adversely affect productivity if workers who are least qualified to find alternative employment are most likely to stay behind in search of employment stability.
—Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Danielle Bacher, People.com, 12 Feb. 2025
This time, there’s a first-class version Social media reaction
Núñez Vicente’s design has gone viral on more than one occasion — with some prospective travelers cracking jokes about passing wind, while others suggest the design is a cynical ploy to cram more passengers into the cabin.
—Francesca Street, CNN, 11 Feb. 2025
From David Makovsky: Trump's Gaza Plan Is a Clever Negotiation Tactic
The question is whether Trump's idea about Gaza is a plan or a ploy.
—Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In the longer term, Trump’s ploy to improve the federal workforce could adversely affect productivity if workers who are least qualified to find alternative employment are most likely to stay behind in search of employment stability.
—Christopher Wong Michaelson and Jennifer Tosti-Kharas, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for ploy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ploy
Noun
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The idea of doctors posing as podcasters to make men more suggestible is already a winner, but the language the doctors employ to complete the ruse ratchets up the comedy.—
Joe Berkowitz,
Vulture,
26 Jan. 2025
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Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary?—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky went on an online thanking spree after dozens of world leaders voiced support for him in the aftermath of his contentious Oval Office meeting with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.—
Brady Knox,
Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government,
1 Mar. 2025
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After a 40-bank robbing spree, the saga of South Florida’s most infamous gangsters ended with a midnight police ambush on a bridge over Sebastian Inlet that left Ashley and his cohorts dead.—
Phillip Valys,
Sun Sentinel,
1 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a yearslong federal investigation and alleged Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.—
Kori Rumore,
Chicago Tribune,
2 Mar. 2025
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Since Glossip’s 1998 conviction as the alleged orchestrator of a murder-for-hire scheme targeting his boss, Oklahoma City motel owner Barry Van Treese, a raft of issues with his prosecution has surfaced, coinciding with a shift of political winds now at the inmate’s back.—
Dakin Andone,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
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Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.—
Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ploy. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.
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