flimflam 1 of 2

noun

ˈflim-ˌflam How to pronounce flimflam (audio)
Definition of flimflamnext
1
as in ruse
a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end giving the new guy at work her cell phone number—"in case of an emergency"—was just a flimflam to pique his romantic interest

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in scam
an instance of the use of dishonest methods to acquire something of value just the latest Internet flimflam to get e-mail recipients to reveal bank account numbers and other personal information

Synonyms & Similar Words

flimflam

2 of 2

verb

as in to cheat
to rob by the use of trickery or threats everyone likes to think that they're too smart to be flimflammed by anyone

Synonyms & Similar Words

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of flimflam
Noun
Might that statement actually be a bit of protective flimflam? — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 26 Feb. 2020 The flimflams continue, even in Walmart’s home state of Arkansas. — Craig Silverman, ProPublica, 17 Jan. 2024 Not in crushing debt, but in rejecting American culture’s pervasive backward slide into premodern flimflam. — Hillary Busis, Vanity Fair, 13 Feb. 2026 Instead, Democrats should present voters with a material choice between a party that has nothing to offer the majority of Americans but abuse and conspiratorial flimflam and a party committed to building a democracy and an economy that work for all. — Osita Nwanevu, The New Republic, 5 Feb. 2021 See All Example Sentences for flimflam
Recent Examples of Synonyms for flimflam
  1. ruse
  2. scam
  3. cheat
  4. scheme
  5. fraud
  6. hustle
  7. trick
  8. sting
Noun
  • At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 July 2026
  • Such offenders will use all different ruses to distract the victim, such as claiming to be utility workers, tree trimmers, or handymen working on neighbors' houses.
    — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of ruse
Noun
  • As cybercriminals use increasingly sophisticated tactics and AI makes phishing attempts, impersonation scams and other attacks harder to spot, organizations can’t rely on annual compliance training alone.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
  • Always compare multiple firms before making a decision because tax relief scams do exist.
    — Nick Perry, USA Today, 2 July 2026
Definition of scam
Verb
  • The American grandmaster shed some light on his mindset following Kramnik’s cheating accusations in a livestream prior to his death, according to the Associated Press.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 4 July 2026
  • Trump has also continued to claim Democrats are trying to rig or cheat in the upcoming election, remarks that have faced rebukes from members of his own party.
    — Ana Ceballos Follow, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026
Definition of cheat
Noun
  • The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.
    — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
  • The other company whose shares were manipulated in the scheme, E-Waste, had an even higher market cap at some point, despite being nothing more than a shell company.
    — Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Kidan pleaded guilty in 2005 to fraud and conspiracy related to the purchase of a fleet of gambling boats, and in 2006 he was sentenced to nearly six years in prison.
    — Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
  • Google also said the devices were used for ad fraud and other digital crimes.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026
Definition of fraud
Verb
  • Finally at the front of the line to enter the national memorial, the Wheelers and the Lockes took their turn through security to hustle for a good spot near the stage.
    — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • He was hustled by Charlie Parker and was part of the American delegation at the inauguration of his good friend Nelson Mandela.
    — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 3 July 2026
Definition of hustle
Noun
  • The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
    — Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026
  • Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
    — Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
Definition of trick
Verb
  • Significant stinging insect infestations like wasps and carpenter bees may also require a specialized plan that isn’t included in your general pest control service.
    — Alora Bopray, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • Democrats are still stung by Rogan’s nearly three-hour Trump interview in the final weeks of the 2024 campaign.
    — Steven Sloan, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026
Definition of sting

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flighty
flimflam
flimflammed
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Cite this Entry

“Flimflam.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/flimflam. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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