ruses
Tricks requiring cunning
Ruses are tricks or stratagems designed to deceive—cunning maneuvers meant to mislead an opponent or gain an advantage.
The word typically appears in contexts of warfare, competition, or clever schemes: The general's ruses confused the enemy, She saw through his ruses immediately.
A ruse implies deliberate deception rather than simple dishonesty.
Methods to achieve goals
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
artifice · intrigue · machination · subterfuge · contrivance · dodge · device · stratagem
Deliberate deception for effect
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
- masqueradeDeceptive act or costume party
sham · pretense · imposture · fakery · scam · con · deceit · misrepresentation
Cleverly deceptive
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
- astuteMentally sharp, discerning
- cannyShrewdly practical and cautious
- wilySkilled at deception
artful · crafty · clever · ingenious · calculating · resourceful · scheming · devious
Playful trick on someone
- jestHumorous remark or act
- japeMocking trick or quip
- spoofComic exaggerated imitation
- gagMouth restraint or jest
shenanigan · mischief · antic · caper · tomfoolery · lark · stunt · practical joke
tactics
Methods to achieve goals
- maneuversPlanned strategic movements
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- schemeCalculated strategy, often secretive
gambit · artifice · intrigue · machination · subterfuge · contrivance · dodge · device · stratagem · masterstroke
hoax
Deliberate deception for effect
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- swindleDeception for financial gain
- charadeAbsurd or obvious pretense
masquerade · sham · pretense · imposture · fakery · scam · con · deceit · misrepresentation · fabrication
sly
Cleverly deceptive
- shrewdPractically clever, perceptive
- astuteMentally sharp, discerning
- cannyShrewdly practical and cautious
wily · artful · crafty · clever · ingenious · calculating · resourceful · scheming · devious · foxy
prank
Playful trick on someone
gag · shenanigan · mischief · antic · caper · tomfoolery · lark · stunt · practical joke · hijinks
ruseshonesty
Truthfulness, sincerity
truthfulness · candor · sincerity · frankness · transparency
rusesdirectness
Quality of being straightforward
straightforwardness · bluntness · forthrightness · direct approach · frontal assault
rusesdirectness
Quality of being straightforward
straightforwardness · straight dealing · bluntness · forthrightness · plain speech