trickery
n. B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈtɹɪkɝi// UK //tɹˈɪkəɹi// trick·ery
n. clever or dishonest actions used to trick someone. It is often used to describe a dishonest way of winning a game or getting what you want.
n. the use of cunning or dishonest methods to deceive or outwit someone. Often implies a lack of integrity or a reliance on cleverness over fair play.
The team won the game through some clever trickery.
The magician's performance was full of trickery, but the audience remained completely fooled until the end.
The politician's victory was largely attributed to political trickery rather than genuine support, as he manipulated the rules to ensure his opponent could not compete fairly.
From trick + -ery, first recorded in 1719.