ploy (B2)

noun

Pronunciation: /plɔɪ/

Definition

A cunning plan or scheme, especially one used to gain an advantage over an opponent or to avoid an awkward situation.

Examples

• The company's offer of a 'free' gift was just a marketing ploy to get customers to sign up for a subscription.

• He tried to use a fake injury as a ploy to get out of doing his chores, but his parents saw right through it.

• Detectives suspected the sudden confession was a clever ploy to protect someone else.

How to Use ploy

use a ploy (collocation)

To employ a deceptive plan. — "The negotiator tried to use a ploy to get the other side to concede."

ploy to do something (prepositional phrase)

A trick intended to achieve a specific action. — "It was a desperate ploy to escape the consequences of his actions."

Synonyms of ploy

Words with a similar meaning to ploy:

• trick
• tactic
• ruse
• stratagem

Antonyms of ploy

Words with the opposite meaning to ploy:

• honesty
• frankness

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