trick 1 of 3

noun

ˈtrik How to pronounce trick (audio)
Definition of tricknext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end her husband used every trick in the book to get out of appearing in his parish's fashion show

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2
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke thought that gluing the silver dollar to the floor and watching him struggle to pick it up would be a good trick

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3
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing that deadbeat is up to his usual tricks: once again he's claiming the check is in the mail

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4
as in feat
an act of notable skill, strength, or cleverness it'd be quite a trick to hit that target from here

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5
as in trait
an odd or peculiar habit a dog with the trick of eating cabbage

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

trick

2 of 3

verb

as in to deceive
to cause to believe what is untrue you tricked me into thinking my ex wasn't coming to the party tonight

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trick

3 of 3

adjective

as in tricky

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Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of trick are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, stratagem, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When could artifice be used to replace trick?

Although the words artifice and trick have much in common, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When would feint be a good substitute for trick?

The words feint and trick can be used in similar contexts, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

In what contexts can maneuver take the place of trick?

While in some cases nearly identical to trick, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

When can ruse be used instead of trick?

While the synonyms ruse and trick are close in meaning, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When is it sensible to use stratagem instead of trick?

In some situations, the words stratagem and trick are roughly equivalent. However, stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

When is wile a more appropriate choice than trick?

The meanings of wile and trick largely overlap; however, 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 trick
Noun
The Pixel 9 family will also get a nifty new video recording trick. —Ars Technica, 4 Mar. 2025 In addition to the original games' content, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3+4 will introduce a host of new skaters and tricks, new songs on the soundtrack, and new parks to skate in and explore. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Verb
Unfortunately, this has also led to more toll fee scams, as scammers take advantage of the high number of real toll transactions and create fake messages to trick people. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025 Diaz then found Salah inside the box where his touch tricked Konstantinos Mavropanos before the forward poked the ball to Gakpo. —Art De Roché, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025
Adjective
As Halloween approaches, investors seem fearful that good credit performance may be more trick than treat. —Telis Demos, WSJ, 21 Oct. 2022 If the high cost of it all is more trick than treat for you, here are several ways to turn your already smart home into a spook-tacularly genius haunted house. —Jennifer Jolly, USA TODAY, 28 Oct. 2021 See All Example Sentences for trick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trick
  1. ruse
  2. prank
  3. ritual
  4. feat
  5. trait
  6. deceive
  7. tricky
  8. scheme
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • While a looming hurricane spells doom for a sleepy Florida town, citizens carry on: two friends pull pranks and ponder life; another pair captures terrifying footage of the storm; a young woman harbors a deep crush.
    — Samantha Bergeson, IndieWire, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Tom Green, a Y2K-era phenomenon most famous for his MTV prank show and surreal brand of comedy, is returning to the spotlight with a flurry of new projects for Amazon Prime Video.
    — Jason Zinoman, New York Times, 25 Feb. 2025
Definition of prank
Noun
  • Eating Chomps has become a faithful ritual for an average day.
    — Andrew Watman, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Neighborhood theaters made attending movies a weekly or even daily ritual for audiences.
    — Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Even with the benefits of modern science, maintaining such a physique into his 30s represents a feat, too.
    — Henry Flynn, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Milan High School won the title in 1954 in the Indiana-only state championship and had been the smallest school to achieve that feat.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of feat
Noun
  • In her post, Meli questioned why ambition, despite its downsides, was seen as a moral good and an important trait to have.
    — Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025
  • These early problem-solving experiences can help develop resilience and adaptability, traits essential for success in STEAM fields and beyond.
    — Kyle J. Russell, USA TODAY, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of trait
Verb
  • Despite providing historical records and even materials for a documentary on Bad Boy Entertainment in 2021, Burrowes says he was once again deceived and left unpaid for his contributions.
    — Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Photo : Volkswagen No, your eyes do not deceive you, a Volkswagen did earn itself a spot on the list of the greatest luxury vehicles of all time.
    — Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of deceive
Adjective
  • How parents and guardians can help Intervening in a teen’s relationship can be tricky, with adolescents tending to resist oversight from parents or caregivers.
    — Julianna Bragg, CNN, 8 Mar. 2025
  • These volunteers may also assist with tax and tax-adjacent issues, like applying for name changes, a tricky but common issue.
    — Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of tricky
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of scheme

Phrases Containing trick

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Cite this Entry

“Trick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trick. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trick

Nglish: Translation of trick for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about trick

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