SuaviloquyToday’s word

stratagem

Stratagem, n.

Etymology: [F. stratagème (cf. Sp. estratagema, It. stratagemma), L. strategema, Gr. Stratum) + Agent.]

An artifice or trick in war for deceiving the enemy; hence, in general, artifice; deceptive device; secret plot; evil machination. Fit for treasons, stratagems, and spoils. Shak. Those oft are stratagems which error seem, Nor is it Homer nods, but we that dream. Pope.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for stratagem; he lists it under artifice.

Where he writes about it:

A stratagem or maneuver may be of the good against the bad, as it were a skilful movement of war. — from artifice

Synonyms

artificeartblindcheatcontrivancecraftcunningdevicedodgefinessefraudguileimpostureinventionmachinationmaneuverrusesubterfugetrickwile

Antonyms

artlessnesscandorfairnessfranknessguilelessnesshonestyingenuousnessinnocenceopennesssimplicitysinceritytruth

etymologyWebster’s online