What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
artifice
Example
The magician's artifice amazed the audience as he made the rabbit disappear. [artifice: noun]
Example
She used artifice to convince her boss that she deserved a promotion. [artifice: noun]
chicanery
Example
The politician's chicanery was exposed when evidence of bribery came to light. [chicanery: noun]
Example
He resorted to chicanery to win the game, cheating his opponents. [chicanery: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Chicanery is less commonly used than artifice in everyday language. Artifice is more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of contexts, including creative endeavors or problem-solving. Chicanery, on the other hand, is more specific and often used in informal or negative contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between artifice and chicanery?
While artifice is generally considered more formal, chicanery is often used in informal or negative contexts. Artifice can be used in both formal and informal settings, while chicanery is more commonly associated with informal or negative situations.
