artifice
/ˈɑːrtɪfɪs/
noun
- Clever or dishonest tricks used to deceive someone.
- The politician's artifice was exposed when the truth came out.
- Her story was full of artifice, but no one realized she was lying.
- The con artist used artifice to trick people into giving him their money.
- Clever skill or ingenuity, especially in making or designing things.
- The artifice of the ancient clockmaker amazed modern engineers.
- The chef's artifice turned simple ingredients into a beautiful dish.
- The building's design shows great artifice in its use of light and space.