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.

For decades, Iran has held a single geopolitical trump card in its pocket — the ability to shut down oil-tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

But if she has already decided to play the sport’s ultimate trump card, she isn’t tipping her hand.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

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

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

Forty minutes later she was inside the physics building once more, arguing with the porter, but this time she had a trump card.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

trump card

Example Sentences

Related Words