Definition
Chicanery refers to the use of deceitful and manipulative tactics in order to achieve one’s goals, often at the expense of others.
Pronunciation
US English
UK English
Part of Speech
Noun.
Synonyms
Deceit, trickery, deception, fraud, dishonesty, duplicity, subterfuge, guile, artifice, cunning.
Antonyms
Honesty, truthfulness, candor, straightforwardness.
Word Forms
| Part of Speech | Words |
|---|---|
| Noun | chicanery, chicanes, chicane, chicaneries |
| Verb | chicaned, chicanes, chicane, chicaning |
| Adjective | None |
| Adverb | None |
Example Sentences
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The politician was known for his chicanery, using misleading ads and speeches to win over voters.
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The con artist’s chicanery was exposed when his victims discovered that the “investment opportunity” was a scam.
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The company engaged in chicanery by hiding its true financial situation from investors.
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The salesperson used chicanery to convince the customer to buy a product that was not what they really needed.
Usage
Chicanery is often used to describe behavior that is deceptive or manipulative, and is typically associated with negative connotations. It can refer to a wide range of actions, from outright lying to more subtle forms of deception and manipulation.
The word “chicanery” comes from the French word “chicaner,” which means to quibble or dispute. In English, the term has taken on a broader meaning, and is typically used to describe behavior that is intended to mislead or deceive others.
Chicanery can be used in a variety of contexts, including politics, business, and personal relationships. In politics, chicanery is often associated with negative campaigning and dirty tricks, such as spreading false information or engaging in smear campaigns. In business, chicanery can refer to fraudulent or unethical practices, such as insider trading or misrepresenting financial data.
In terms of usage, the word “chicanery” is often used in a negative or pejorative sense, and is typically seen as implying dishonesty or unethical behavior. As such, it is important to use the term carefully, and to avoid applying it to individuals or groups without sufficient evidence. When used correctly, however, the term can be a useful way to describe behavior that is manipulative, deceitful, or otherwise unethical.