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Definition of ploy

ploy

/plɔɪ/
ploy
Plural:ploys
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ploy Lexical Profile

ploy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A cunning plan, action, or statement calculated to turn a situation to one's own advantage.

Example

"The sudden price cut was seen by analysts as a marketing ploy to attract customers away from competitors."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ploy

• Nearby Words

plower
plowman
plowshare
ploy
pluck
pluckily
pluckiness

Word Origin & Etymology

Originating in the early 18th century in Scottish and northern English dialect, 'ploy' is likely a shortened form of 'employ', originally referring to an activity, undertaking, or diversion before acquiring its modern sense of a calculated tactic.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ploy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ploy
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