bait and switch

noun

Synonyms of bait and switchnext
1
: a sales tactic in which a customer is attracted by the advertisement of a low-priced item but is then encouraged to buy a higher-priced one
2
: the ploy of offering a person something desirable to gain favor (such as political support) then thwarting expectations with something less desirable

Examples of bait and switch in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This seems to be the world’s most obvious bait and switch, though. — Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 17 May 2026 Democrats worry there's a chance this option is a bait and switch, Grisales says. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 3 Oct. 2025 Everything was back to normal by the end of the episode, but this was anything but a mere bait and switch. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 14 Mar. 2026 But that bait and switch was exactly what Hull wanted from Ventimiglia in the character. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bait and switch

Word History

First Known Use

1962, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bait and switch was in 1962

Rhymes for bait and switch

See All Rhymes for bait and switch

Browse Nearby Words

bait
bait and switch
bait bug
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bait and switch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bait%20and%20switch. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

bait and switch

noun
: a fraudulent or deceptive sales practice in which a purchaser is attracted by advertisement of a low-priced item but then is encouraged to purchase a higher-priced one

called also bait advertising

More from Merriam-Webster on bait and switch

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for bait and switch

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