Tricks: meaning, definitions and examples

Usually used to describe playful actions or skills that entertain or amaze people. Can also refer to clever methods or techniques used to achieve something.

• The magician performed amazing tricks at the birthday party
• He has a few tricks up his sleeve to solve this problem

Used to describe instances where something appears to be different from what it really is, often concerning visual or perceptual experiences.

• The illusion made it seem like the magician sawed the lady in half
• Optical illusions can trick your brain into seeing things that aren't there

Describes supernatural or fantastical actions that cannot be explained by science. It is often used in a context related to fantasy or entertainment.

• She was amazed by the magic show at the fair
• In the story, the wizard used magic to defend the kingdom

Refers to actions or statements that deliberately aim to make someone believe something that is not true. Often has a negative connotation.

• His deceptions were finally uncovered by the detective
• She was hurt by his constant deceptions

This word appears to have been listed twice; it fits the context used above.

• The jester played several tricks on the members of the court

This word is used to describe carefully planned strategies or plots, often secretive and sometimes dishonest or deceptive.

• Their scheme to defraud the company was uncovered
• He was involved in a secret scheme to take over the business

This word is often used to describe actions where someone is influencing or controlling others, usually for their own advantage, and it often has a negative connotation.

• His manipulations of the facts were discovered by the committee
• She resented his constant manipulations

This word is used when intentionally misleading or deceiving someone, often with negative or harmful implications.

• Her deceptions caused a lot of pain to her friends
• The detective uncovered a web of deceptions

Used to describe techniques or methods that make a task easier or more efficient, often in the form of tips or hacks.

• Here are some tricks to improving your memory
• She knows some useful kitchen tricks for faster cooking

Generally negative, indicating the act of making someone believe something that is not true, often to gain some advantage or to cause harm.

• He tried to deceive his boss about the missed deadline
• She was deceived into investing in a fraudulent scheme

Mostly negative, referring to the act of tricking someone into believing something that is not true, making them a victim of a lie or scam.

• The con artist duped the tourists with a fake lottery ticket
• She was duped by an online scammer

Usually negative, implying the act of giving someone the wrong idea or impression, often intentionally, to lead them astray.

• The advertisement was designed to mislead customers about the product's effectiveness
• He misled his parents about his grades