shell game

noun

Definition of shell gamenext
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value it's amazing how intelligent people fall for that investment-fund shell game

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 shell game Cyrus, a beloved gay icon, was a smart choice and seemed ready to play along with Kenworthy’s shell game. — Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 27 Jan. 2026 The grand jury’s focus was the shell game played with $10 million that rightfully belonged to the Florida Medicaid program. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2026 Nate Davis had some thoughts after McDermott was fired, writing that the NFL's coaching carousel has devolved into an absurd shell game. — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 23 Jan. 2026 Expedia played a shell game with your money, wasted your time with useless chatbots and ignored paper trails. — Christopher Elliott, Mercury News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for shell game
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shell game
scam
Noun
  • Off-grid residents blur the line between housed and homeless, as county officials juggle lax enforcement, environmental damage, real estate scams and calls to legalize basic services such as addresses and trash pickup.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 Aug. 2026
  • So how can consumers avoid scams and trust real organizations?
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of scam

Browse Nearby Words

shelled out
shell game
shell games
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Cite this Entry

“Shell game.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shell%20game. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on shell game

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shell game

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