Here are some synonyms for "guile" along with their explanations:
1. Cunning
- Meaning: "Cunning" refers to the ability to achieve one's ends through clever and often underhanded means. It implies a certain craftiness and astuteness in deceiving or outwitting others. For example, "The cunning fox outsmarted the hunters with its elaborate ruses."
- Usage: It's used to describe a person or an animal's shrewd behavior, especially when they use their wits to gain an advantage in a situation that may involve some element of trickery.
2. Deceit
- Meaning: "Deceit" is the act of deliberately misleading or hiding the truth from others. It is more about the intention to create a false impression. For instance, "His deceit was finally uncovered when the documents were examined closely."
- Usage: Commonly used when referring to the act of lying or cheating to achieve a particular goal. It often has a negative connotation and is associated with dishonesty in relationships, business, or other interactions.
3. Duplicity
- Meaning: "Duplicity" means having a double - dealing or two - faced nature. It implies that a person is saying or doing one thing while secretly intending something else. For example, "The politician's duplicity was evident in his conflicting statements."
- Usage: This word is used to condemn behavior where someone is being insincere and inconsistent in their words and actions, often with the intention of fooling others for personal gain.
4. Artifice
- Meaning: "Artifice" refers to a clever trick or stratagem. It can also mean a skillful or cunning device used to deceive or manipulate. For example, "The magician's artifice left the audience in awe."
- Usage: It's often used in the context of elaborate schemes or devices, such as in a performance (like magic shows) or in more complex situations where someone uses a clever ploy to achieve a result.
5. Subterfuge
- Meaning: "Subterfuge" is a deceptive strategy or a means of evading something through trickery. For example, "He used subterfuge to avoid paying his debts."
- Usage: Typically used when describing a sneaky or underhanded way of getting out of a difficult situation or achieving an end through deceitful means.