# artifice

/ˈɑɹtəfɪs/ (US) · /ˈɑːtɪfɪs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/artifice
Updated: 2026-10-19

## Definition

a clever trick or plan that fools people. You use this when someone hides the truth to get what they want.

For teachers: clever or cunning deception intended to mislead, often through carefully crafted words or actions. Contrasts with natural simplicity or honest plainness.

## Examples

- He wins votes with charm, not artifice.
- The seller hides the car's flaws with artifice, praising the paint while avoiding talk of the engine.
- The memoir strips away artifice to show the author's doubts, revealing how much of his public confidence was carefully staged.

## Synonyms

trick, ruse, ploy, deception, deceit, trickery, scheme

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.