ploy

noun

ˈplȯi How to pronounce ploy (audio)
Synonyms of ploy
1
: escapade, frolic
2
a
: a tactic intended to embarrass or frustrate an opponent
b
: a devised or contrived move : stratagem
The story about being sick is just a ploy to get you to give her money.
… a ploy to get her to open the door?—Robert B. Parker

Synonyms of ploy

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Examples of ploy in a Sentence

Her story about being sick is only a ploy to get you to give her money. asking me to take her shopping turned out to be a ploy to get me to the surprise party
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The post was actually just a ploy to get more people to listen to the song. — Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 28 Aug. 2026 Supporters of the administration view this back and forth as a cunning ploy to buy time for the United States to position itself more advantageously for a confrontation. — Leonard A. Schuette, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2026 Paramount has tried various ploys to put political pressure on Bonta — op-eds, letters from allies, threats to leave California, politicians’ statements — which Bonta has largely brushed off. — Gene Maddaus, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026 Another candidate, 27-year-old progressive organizer and substitute teacher Elijah Manley, said Republicans’ redistricting ploy is not Wasserman Schultz’s fault. — ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ploy

Word History

Etymology

probably from employ

First Known Use

1722, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ploy was in 1722

Phrases Containing ploy

Rhymes for ploy

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Browse Nearby Words

plowwright
ploy
pls
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Cite this Entry

“Ploy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ploy. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

ploy

noun
ˈplȯi How to pronounce ploy (audio)
: a trick designed to embarrass or upset an opponent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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