Trick: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when talking about simple, often playful, actions that deceive others. Can also involve magic or entertaining acts.

• He showed me a cool card trick.
• They tricked him into believing the joke.

Typically used when referring to a clever or cunning plan intended to achieve a specific advantage, especially one that involves tricking someone.

• Her tears were just a ploy to get sympathy.
• The advertisement was a ploy to attract customers.

Used when referring to elaborate and often secret plans that are usually complex or fraudulent. Typically carries negative connotations.

• They uncovered a scheme to embezzle funds.
• The villain's scheme was foiled by the heroes.

Used in serious contexts where someone is being misled or lied to, often carrying a negative connotation.

• The deception lasted for years before it was discovered.
• She felt deeply hurt by his deception.

Used for a deceptive strategy or trick, usually implying a degree of cleverness or cunning. Often used in more formal or literary contexts.

• The whole thing was a ruse to distract us.
• He used a ruse to sneak into the party.

Often used in situations where skillful movement or strategic action is involved. Can be used in both neutral and positive contexts.

• The driver executed a perfect maneuver to avoid the obstacle.
• He used a clever maneuver to win the chess game.

General term for causing someone to believe something that is not true.

• She tricked him into giving her his wallet
• They tricked the teacher by pretending to be sick

Implies causing someone to believe something false, often with the intent to gain an advantage. Has a negative connotation.

• He was deceived by the fake advertisement
• She deceived her friend about her true intentions

To deceive or trick someone into believing something that is not true, typically by making them look foolish.

• They duped him with a fake lottery ticket
• The scammer duped many people into giving away their bank details

To cause someone to have a wrong idea or impression about someone or something. Can be intentional or unintentional.

• The headline misled readers about the actual facts
• He felt misled by her vague answers

To deceive someone, especially by trickery or misleading them. Often implies a deliberate and crafty intent.

• They hoodwinked her into signing a bad contract
• The con artist hoodwinked the entire community

To trick someone, often making them look silly or foolish. Generally has a playful or lighter tone unless context implies otherwise.

• I fooled him into thinking I was a famous actor
• She was just trying to fool her friends with a magic trick