trickster

noun

ˈtrik-stər How to pronounce trickster (audio)
Definition of tricksternext
1
as in cheat
a dishonest person who uses clever means to cheat others out of something of value a heartless trickster swindled the elderly woman out of her life savings

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in magician
one who practices tricks and illusions for entertainment a very adept trickster who used mirrors to make huge items—even buildings—seem to disappear

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 trickster But the scares were middling to begin with because Øvredal — a game but overeager trickster — telegraphs his set pieces as if he were equipped with a flare gun and detour cones. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2026 Loki Loki is the Norse god of mischief and he’s known as a trickster—sometimes for good, sometimes a bit more devious. — Kara Nesvig, Parents, 11 Apr. 2026 Eating disorders are master tricksters. — Eden Laase, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2026 Beloved baby brother, American [WWII bronze star veteran], husband, father of 4 strong women, [grandpa], adorable scamp, handsome devil, and trickster to the end. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 21 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for trickster
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trickster
  1. cheat
  2. magician
  3. dodger
  4. shark
Noun
  • Sometimes, the fourth-grader asks Robo-Dad for Minecraft cheats.
    — Ella Chakarian, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2026
  • And then Bobby is just a cheat code for comedy writers.
    — Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 19 June 2026
Definition of cheat
Noun
  • Every twenty minutes cliff divers, costumed characters, and magicians put on performances and interact with diners.
    — Vanessa Yurkevich, CNN Money, 5 July 2026
  • Now, Musiala is 23 and one of the best young players in the world, an attacking midfielder who’s a magician with the ball at his feet, who also has a knack for finding the back of the net.
    — Andrew Greif, NBC news, 30 June 2026
Definition of magician
Noun
  • Ukraine faces severe personnel shortages with around 200,000 military desertions and 2 million draft-dodgers, threatening its ability to sustain the war against Russia’s 2022 invasion.
    — Kirsten Grieshaber, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
  • Almost all other passengers dine at the Britannia Restaurant, and there’s also a buffet restaurant serving international cuisine, with options for vegans, vegetarians and dairy dodgers.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 Jan. 2026
Definition of dodger
Noun
  • That night, Valencia, the vessel’s captain, set out with a crew of nine from Jaramijó, Ecuador, for what was expected to be a typical three-week voyage, casting lines for shark, marlin, and tuna.
    — Will Freeman, New Yorker, 30 June 2026
  • The group stage would be a series of blowouts, the sharks would devour the minnows.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2026
Definition of shark

Browse Nearby Words

tricks (out)
trickster
tricksters
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Trickster.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trickster. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on trickster

Nglish: Translation of trickster for Spanish Speakers

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