noun
C2
Proficient
artifice
Artifice (noun) means a clever but dishonest trick.
noun
1
A clever but dishonest trick.
"The notion that consequence can be as easily managed as PR is the ultimate artifice and the ultimate delusion."
— Charles Hugh Smith, When Everything Is Artifice and PR (2021)
2
A clever and skilfully carried-out deception.
"The heightened worlds of darkly comedic satire and soapy high-school romance make it easy enough to roll with unrealistic casting choices—and that goes for stage musicals, too, where some level of artifice is built into the format."
— Caroline Siede, Dear Evan Hansen is a misfire on just about every level (2021)
3
A clever plan used to get away without being seen or caught.
4
A clever move made to gain an advantage.
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Etymology
Came into English from Middle French artifice, from Latin artificium.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for artifice
See all rhymes for artifice →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of artifice?
"artifice" (noun) means a clever but dishonest trick.
What is another word for artifice?
Other words for "artifice" include ruse.
What is the opposite of artifice?
Opposites of "artifice" include openness, candor.
What are the different meanings of artifice?
"artifice" has 3 main meanings: 1. A clever but dishonest trick; 2. A clever and skilfully carried-out deception; 3. A clever plan used to get away without being seen or caught.
