subterfuge

About 0.52 uses per million words.

Meaning

1. noun An indirect or deceptive device or stratagem; a blind. Refers especially to war and diplomatics.

   Overt subterfuge in a region nearly caused a minor accident.

2. noun Deception; misrepresentation of the true nature of an activity.

Similar words

blind wile deception pretext trickery sham trick excuse loophole ruse

Often followed by

to of and for in or was that is

Word family

subterfuges