Guile
mediumNegative tonegyl
noun
Definition
Sly or cunning intelligence; craftiness in deceiving others
Memory hook
GUILE: sounds like 'wile' — sly cunning and cleverness used to deceive.
Examples
“The politician used guile rather than honest persuasion to win votes.”
“She achieved her goals through guile and manipulation.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The politician used ______ rather than honest persuasion to win votes.”
Show answer
guile
Categories
GRE Tip
Guile is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "cunning" or "craftiness" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "candor".
Related GRE Words
artifice
Clever or cunning devices or expedients, especially to deceive; trickery
chicanery
The use of trickery to achieve a political, financial, or legal purpose
subterfuge
Deceit used to achieve one's goal; a trick
belie
To give a false impression or to contradict by appearance
counterfeit
Made in imitation with intent to deceive; forged; fake
dupe
to deceive or trick someone
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