cabal 1 of 2

as in Mafia
a group involved in secret or criminal activities a conspiracy theory about the existence of an international cabal devoted to world domination

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cabal

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun cabal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cabal are conspiracy, intrigue, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

Where would conspiracy be a reasonable alternative to cabal?

While in some cases nearly identical to cabal, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could intrigue be used to replace cabal?

While the synonyms intrigue and cabal are close in meaning, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

In what contexts can machination take the place of cabal?

In some situations, the words machination and cabal are roughly equivalent. However, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When is plot a more appropriate choice than cabal?

The synonyms plot and cabal are sometimes interchangeable, 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 cabal
Noun
QAnon is a conspiracy theory that posits the country is run by a cabal of Satanic, pedophilic Democrats who can only be stopped by President Donald Trump. Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 22 Apr. 2025 But, in the latter half of the 20th century, a shadowy cabal of high-flying financiers and elite manufacturers moved those jobs abroad, in search of lower wages and bigger profits. Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
Nothing was more to be desired than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue, and corruption. Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2019 Powell is drawing encouragement from the significant losses of candidates who, like Burton, are backed by the Empower Texans cabal attempting to take control of the Texas Legislature. Richard Greene, star-telegram, 24 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for cabal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabal
Noun
  • This July, Caroline Phillips and her National Cannabis Festival will return, bringing Big Boi, Three 6 Mafia, Ty Dolla $ign, and Curren$y to Washington DC’s RFK Stadium Festival Grounds for what’s become the largest cannabis festival on the East Coast.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 4 June 2025
  • Meanwhile, Morgan Wallen’s Sand in My Boots Festival had Wiz Khalifa, 2 Chainz and Three 6 Mafia onstage.
    Michael Saponara, Billboard, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • The procession of images sears the mind: mobs of police clubbing peaceful demonstrators.
    Steve Chapman, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2025
  • Valdez fired the game’s first pitch at 7:12 p.m. Tampa Bay Rays leadoff man Jose Caballero clubbed the second into the Crawford Boxes for a solo home run.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 31 May 2025
Noun
  • The Department of Homeland Security said Saturday that recent ICE operations in the south state resulted in the arrest of 118 people, including five individuals the agency identified as gang members.
    Lia Russell, Sacbee.com, 8 June 2025
  • The tattoo too, which has become under the Trump administration synonymous with gang affiliation, is the story of the state using language inscription as a punishment against the imprisoned.
    Amir Hussain June 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • Later, a brief one-on-one match between Will and league up-and-coming superstar Mane Attraction is shown.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025
  • The league’s economic growth, the rise of several first-rate training facilities and a general sense that MLS is highly organized are all objectives that leagues around the world covet.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another alleged the fight was a conspiracy between Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to gain footing by leveraging the pop star's high-profile.
    Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 6 June 2025
  • Bongino updated Fox News host Sean Hannity on the investigation into the Epstein file as conspiracies continue to float that he was murdered in prison.
    Greg Wehner, FOXNews.com, 5 June 2025
Verb
  • In that spirit, French fashion house Celine collaborated with the Pompidou to offer four days of free admission to the exhibition: on Friday, the opening day, July 3, Aug. 28 and the final day, Sept. 22.
    Miles Socha, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
  • Employers want candidates who can speak confidently, listen actively, and collaborate effectively.
    Kara Dennison, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • Gemini: Francis Fratelli Francis is the quick-witted and sly son of Mama Fratelli, the matriarch of Astoria’s infamous syndicate.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
  • The Director also happens to be the bloody mama of the secret crime syndicate the Ruska Roma—the very organization whose clutches John Wick is seeking to escape.
    Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 6 June 2025
Verb
  • The gunmen appeared to be allied with Israel’s military, operating in close proximity to troops and retreating into an Israeli military zone in the southern city of Rafah after the crowd hurled stones at them, witnesses said.
    Wafaa Shurafa, Los Angeles Times, 9 June 2025
  • The gunmen appeared to be allied with Israel's military, operating in close proximity to troops and retreating into an Israeli military zone in the southern city of Rafah after the crowd hurled stones at them, witnesses said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 17 Jun. 2025.

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