Synonyms of stratagem

stratagem

noun

ˈstra-tə-jəm 

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

tried various stratagems to get the cat into the carrier, but the feisty feline was wise to them all

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• scheme
• trick
• device
• gambit
• ploy
• jig
• sleight of hand
• knack
• dodge
• gimmick
• fetch
• bluff
• sleight
• flimflam
• wile
• deception
• cunning
• subterfuge
• artifice
• trickery
• feint
• play
• shenanigan
• duplicity
• juggle
• chicanery
• hoax
• jugglery
• legerdemain
• swindle
• swindling
• skulduggery
• end run
• cheating
• fakery
• cozenage
• fraud
• sham
• gaff
• blind
• smoke screen
• craft
• crookery
• dupery
• front

Synonym Chooser

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

Some common synonyms of stratagem are artifice, feint, maneuver, ruse, trick, and wile. While all these words mean "an indirect means to gain an end," stratagem implies a ruse used to entrap, outwit, circumvent, or surprise an opponent or enemy.

the stratagem-filled game

In what contexts can artifice take the place of stratagem?

While in some cases nearly identical to stratagem, artifice implies ingenious contrivance or invention.

the clever artifices of the stage

When is feint a more appropriate choice than stratagem?

The synonyms feint and stratagem are sometimes interchangeable, but feint implies a diversion or distraction of attention away from one's real intent.

a feint toward the enemy's left flank

When could maneuver be used to replace stratagem?

The meanings of maneuver and stratagem largely overlap; however, maneuver suggests adroit and skillful avoidance of difficulty.

last-minute maneuvers to avert bankruptcy

Where would ruse be a reasonable alternative to stratagem?

The words ruse and stratagem are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ruse stresses an attempt to mislead by a false impression.

the ruses of smugglers

When would trick be a good substitute for stratagem?

While the synonyms trick and stratagem are close in meaning, trick may imply deception, roguishness, illusion, and either an evil or harmless end.

the tricks of the trade

When is it sensible to use wile instead of stratagem?

Although the words wile and stratagem 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

Recent Examples of stratagem

From start to finish, the Red Sox deployed a careless, thoughtless, and passive stratagem. —Gabrielle Starr, Boston Herald, 12 Jan. 2026

Some Iraqis view the decision to close polling stations outside their country as a disciplinary stratagem spurred by the diaspora support for the mass protests, known as the Tishreen uprising, which started in October 2019. —Nabil Salih, Time, 4 Dec. 2025

Night after night the stratagem was repeated successfully. —Robert Easton, Outdoor Life, 3 Sep. 2025

In this scheme, the batteries provide the burst of power needed to take off, a stratagem that lets technicians tune the fuel-burning engine to run at its ideal rate. —IEEE Spectrum, 1 June 2018

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