chicanery

[ shi-key-nuh-ree, chi- ]

noun

, plural chi·can·er·ies.

1. trickery or deception by quibbling or sophistry:

   He resorted to the worst flattery and chicanery to win the job.

   Synonyms: knavery, deception, fraud

2. a quibble or subterfuge used to trick, deceive, or evade.

   Synonyms: evasion

chicanery

/ ʃɪˈkeɪnərɪ /

noun

1. verbal deception or trickery, esp in legal quibbling; dishonest or sharp practice
2. a trick, deception, or quibble

Word History and Origins

Origin of chicanery¹

From the French word chicanerie, dating back to 1605–15. See chicane, -ery

Example Sentences

Somehow the easy ones were allegations of Russian collusion somehow related to Hunter Biden's laptop and supposed ballot box chicanery.

From Salon

Although chicanery happens on a local level, Jackson observed that the unwieldy and labyrinthine nature of America's electoral system serves as a built-in protection against outright election theft.

From Salon

Already, the court’s 4–3 liberal majority looks disinclined to take this chicanery seriously.

From Slate

For years, various politicians and pundits have yelled themselves hoarse over the danger of normalizing Trump’s chicanery, casual mendacity, outrageous divisiveness and outright criminal behavior.

From Los Angeles Times

Either way, this whole situation shines a light on the murky argument over what to do with this brand of chicanery in the first place.

From Slate

Related Words

• dishonesty
• duplicity
• machination
• stratagem