Wile: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a clever or cunning action or strategy, often with a sense of deceit. Common in literary contexts or when discussing strategy.

• He used his wiles to escape from the difficult situation.
• She relied on her wiles to outsmart her opponents.

Used to express a quick or sudden movement, often to avoid something. It can also be used metaphorically to describe avoiding a question or commitment, though it might have a slightly negative connotation in this sense.

• He managed to dodge the oncoming car just in time.
• She tried to dodge the difficult question during the interview.

Typically used in sports, especially in fighting or combat sports, to describe a deceptive move meant to mislead an opponent.

• The boxer threw a feint with his left hand before landing a right hook.
• His feint made the defender move in the wrong direction.

A general term for any act or device meant to deceive or mislead someone. Can be used in a wide variety of contexts, including magic, mischievous acts, or strategic tactics in games and everyday situations.

• She played a neat trick to win the game.
• The magician performed an amazing card trick.

Used to describe a cunning or deceitful trick. It often carries a negative connotation.

• She used her feminine wiles to get what she wanted.
• He was known for his wiles and trickery.

Refers to a tactic or strategy, typically a clever or deceptive one, used to gain an advantage.

• His latest ploy to win the game failed miserably.
• She saw through his ploy to flatter the boss.

Describes a trick or act that is intended to deceive someone. It often has a negative connotation and implies a level of elaborateness or pretense.

• The ransom demand turned out to be a ruse.
• She concocted a clever ruse to steal the documents.

Used to describe a planned series of actions, often with the implication of being deceitful or underhanded. It can carry either a negative or neutral connotation depending on context.

• They devised a scheme to defraud the company.
• The government's new welfare scheme aims to reduce poverty.

Similar to 'wile' but can also be used as a verb to describe charming or alluring someone. It has a neutral to slightly cunning connotation.

• She wiled away her time reading novels.
• He wiled them into helping with his plan.

Implies charming or enchanting someone, sometimes in a deceptive way. Often used in literary contexts.

• He was beguiled by her beauty and wit.
• The magician beguiled the audience with his tricks.

Implies causing someone to believe something that is not true, usually for personal gain or an unfair advantage. This has a negative connotation.

• She tried to deceive her parents about her grades.
• The company deceived customers with false advertisements.

Used to attract or tempt someone, often with the promise of something enjoyable or beneficial.

• The advertisement was designed to entice buyers.
• He was enticed by the offer of a higher salary.