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Definitions

trump card

[truhmp kahrd, truhmp kahrd] / ˈtrʌmp ˌkɑrd, ˈtrʌmp ˈkɑrd /
NOUN
key advantage
Synonyms
STRONG
assistance
WEAK
ace in the hole ace up one's sleeve advantage aid asset card up one's sleeve edge help influence key resource lead leg up leverage luck odds position power protection secret weapon superiority upper hand whip hand
Antonyms
STRONG
disadvantage
WEAK
short end

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.

England rolled out six slow bowling options, with part-timer Joe Root turning out to be an unlikely trump card.

From Barron's • Jan. 24, 2026

Rare earths aren’t Mr. Xi’s only trump card.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Did the UK prime minister play his "trump" card by arranging this lavish state visit?

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2025

Surging viewership for March Madness might be able to help Wiedenfels out there, but he’ll no longer have domestic NBA live games as his major trump card for other negotiations.

From Slate • Jun. 10, 2025

Gloria found it necessary to play her trump card.

From "I, Robot" by Isaac Asimov

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.