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Definition of stratagem

stratagem

/ˈstræt.ə.dʒəm/
strat · a · gem
Plural:stratagems
•
Adjective:stratagemical
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stratagem Lexical Profile

stratagem Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A clever plan, scheme, or trick, especially one devised to outwit an opponent or achieve an advantageous goal through deception.

Example

"The defense attorney used a clever procedural stratagem to delay the trial until key documents could be reviewed."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for stratagem

Word Nuance & Usage

Often misspelled as "strategem" due to false analogy with "strategy." Unlike "strategy," which refers to an overarching long-term plan, a "stratagem" specifically denotes a clever, often deceptive trick or maneuver used to outwit an opponent.

• Rhymes for stratagem

• Nearby Words

strapping
strappy
strasbourg
stratagem
strategic
strategically
strategist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Old French stratageme, via Latin stratagema from Ancient Greek stratēgēma ("an act of a general, a warlike artifice"), derived from stratēgos ("general").

Cite this Entry

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