ruse

noun

Definition of rusenext
as in prank
an act that is used to fool someone His act was just a clever ruse to get me to go out with him.

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Not least because the ruse allows for a Putin or two to die while another survives without toppling the edifice built by the original one. —Melik Kaylan, Forbes, 22 Mar. 2025 The defendants never believed the ruse and within hours were sending threatening messages to Rendon, according to prosecutors. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025 Lily Gladstone, Bowen Yang, Kelly Marie Tran, and Han Gi-Chan play besties who orchestrate the ultimate marital ruse in the first trailer for The Wedding Banquet, director Andrew Ahn's remake of Ang Lee's 1993 classic of the same name. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 17 Mar. 2025 Their ruse is not foolproof, but this series, executive-produced by the legendary Ridley Scott, is gripping from the first episode. —Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ruse
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ruse
  1. prank
  2. deception
  3. trick
  4. subterfuge
  5. stratagem
Noun
  • Joe Berton, the man whom Sports Illustrated photographed to depict a fictional Mets mega-prospect in an instant-classic April Fools Day story, visited Citi Field on Tuesday in recognition of the prank’s 40th anniversary.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Manager Emma Hayes was, at least in the moment, less impressed with the prank.
    — Jamie Barton, CNN Money, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of prank
Noun
  • This capability to detect deception should be a warning to everyone who relies on AI for critical thinking tasks.
    — Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Not only do language barriers complicate your talking with her parents, but the deception has already begun — this girl has been regularly visiting your home under false pretenses.
    — Kwame Anthony Appiah, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of deception
Noun
  • Special content, tips, and tricks: Free digital access to the vast recipe archives of Bon Appétit and Epicurious, plus an in-depth video filmed in the test kitchen of one recipe from each box.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors, Bon Appetit Magazine, 10 Apr. 2025
  • But back to the task at hand: One trick to schooling yourself while keeping things fun is taking a tour — or a few of them.
    — Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of trick
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
Definition of subterfuge
Noun
  • The scene is straight out of a stratagem by Pier Paolo Pasolini (Bertolucci’s mentor), but Palud takes it literally without applying comparable ideological critique to the rest of her film.
    — Armond White, National Review, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Its biting satire is complimented by engaging mechanics like the stratagems.
    — David Faris, Newsweek, 28 Dec. 2024
Definition of stratagem

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Ruse.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ruse. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on ruse

Nglish: Translation of ruse for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ruse

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