Thesaurus results for MACHINATION

Q: How does the noun 'machination' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of machination are cabal , conspiracy , intrigue , and plot . While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. // the machinations of a party boss

Q: Where would 'cabal' be a reasonable alternative to 'machination'?

Although the words cabal and machination have much in common, cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence. // a cabal among powerful senators

Q: In what contexts can 'conspiracy' take the place of 'machination'?

While the synonyms conspiracy and machination are close in meaning, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery. // a conspiracy to fix prices

Q: When might 'intrigue' be a better fit than 'machination'?

While in some cases nearly identical to machination , intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. // backstairs intrigue

Q: When is 'plot' a more appropriate choice than 'machination'?

The words plot and machination can be used in similar contexts, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. // an assassination plot

machination

noun

ˌma-kə-ˈnā-shən

Definition of machination

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends incredibly complicated machinations to assassinate the president that inevitably failed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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How does the noun machination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of machination are cabal, conspiracy, intrigue, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

Where would cabal be a reasonable alternative to machination?

Although the words cabal and machination have much in common, cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

In what contexts can conspiracy take the place of machination?

While the synonyms conspiracy and machination are close in meaning, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When might intrigue be a better fit than machination?

While in some cases nearly identical to machination, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When is plot a more appropriate choice than machination?

The words plot and machination can be used in similar contexts, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of machination His command of celebrity culture — its secrets, scandals, and machinations — was already firmly entrenched. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026 However, year after year, predicting Preller’s midsummer machinations has proved a largely futile endeavor. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 30 July 2026 Kapor had a lot more to say, about blazing a trail without a map, about the machinations of markets, and about the opportunities that the world is exploring now. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026 But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for machination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for machination

Noun

And in a related case, former union executive Tyler Brown pleaded guilty in May 2024 to one count of racketeering conspiracy.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Stewart went to prison for five months after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock.

— Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspiracy

Noun

McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

He is accused of orchestrating the plot to fly hijacked passenger jetliners into the World Trade Center in New York City and into the Pentagon.

— Steve Gorman, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026
Part of the deal hinges on a future road connection that could make use of the plot immediately behind the house.

— Noah Daly August 27, Idaho Statesman, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of plot

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“Machination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/machination. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of machination

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