noun

stratagem

STRAT-uh-juhm

noun

A clever plan or trick, especially one meant to outwit an opponent.

"The general devised a stratagem to lure the enemy into a trap."

"Her business rivals accused her of using underhanded stratagems to win the contract."

How to Use Stratagem

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA cunning plan, often involving deception, used to gain an advantage.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "strategy" — a stratagem is one specific cunning trick, while a strategy is a broader overall plan.

Easily confused with

strategy →

stratagems plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The general devised a _____ to lure the enemy into a trap.

From Ancient Greek "strategema" ("the act of a general"), from "strategos" ("a general") — the same root as "strategy."