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fice
1
a clever action or behavior that is intended to trick and deceive others
- It was later revealed that the company's reported financial figures were artifices meant to inflate stock values.
- Politicians are often accused of using artifice and half-truths to conceal less popular stances during campaigns.
- The witness's story seemed contrived and full of artifice meant to misdirect interrogation rather than provide honesty.
- She saw through his artifice and realized his compliments were insincere.
- His smile was an artifice designed to hide his true intentions.
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