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Showing results for artifice. Search instead for artifici.
Definitions

artifice

[ahr-tuh-fis] / ˈɑr tə fɪs /
NOUN
hoax; clever act
Synonyms
STRONGEST
contrivance gimmick
STRONG
con device dodge expedient gambit machination maneuver play ploy racket ruse savvy scam stratagem subterfuge tactic wile
Antonyms
STRONG
honesty
WEAK
artlessness candor frankness honor inability incapacity ingenuousness innocence openness reality simplicity sincerity truthfulness uncleverness
NOUN
cunning; deception
Synonyms
STRONGEST
duplicity
STRONG
artfulness chicanery craftiness dishonesty guile slyness trickery wiliness
WEAK
scheming
Antonyms
STRONG
frankness honesty openness sincerity truthfulness
WEAK
artlessness candor honor inability incapacity ingenuousness innocence reality simplicity uncleverness
NOUN
skill, cleverness
Synonyms
STRONGEST
inventiveness
STRONG
ability adroitness deftness facility finesse ingenuity invention know-how skill
Antonyms
STRONG
ignorance inability
WEAK
artlessness candor frankness honesty honor incapacity ingenuousness innocence openness reality simplicity sincerity truthfulness uncleverness

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Sayers praised the art underlying the artifice, paraphrasing Aristotle on the practice of literary deception.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Anytime the film veers into computer-generated territory, it takes on a sheen of cheesy artifice.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2026

The player-friendly artifice that defines so much of Las Vegas was absent here.

From Slate • Nov. 18, 2025

The film builds to Jay, stripped of much of his artifice and trappings, finally receiving his award, which includes a tribute reel.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

My eyes burn, and it’s not artifice, unlike the wincing.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth