intrigue 1 of 2

Definition of intriguenext

intrigue

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intrigue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intrigue are cabal, conspiracy, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When might cabal be a better fit than intrigue?

The synonyms cabal and intrigue are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 intrigue?

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

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could machination be used to replace intrigue?

The words machination and intrigue can be used in similar contexts, but machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When would plot be a good substitute for intrigue?

While in some cases nearly identical to intrigue, 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 intrigue
Noun
These are healthy experiences for a nation as diverse as ours and should provoke interest, intrigue and most importantly, understanding. Torrey Snow, Baltimore Sun, 11 Feb. 2026 Still, there was a significant whiff of intrigue. Matthew Bremner, Rolling Stone, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
But the thing that really intrigued us were the Mexi-wings, which appear to be their signature dish. Jess Fleming, Twin Cities, 5 Feb. 2026 Butler, who said he’d always been intrigued by coaching after his career was over, obliged. Sam Warren, Houston Chronicle, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • On Thursday, Dong and Nie were arrested at their home in Hacienda Heights and booked on suspicion of pimping, pandering and conspiracy.
    Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Even if few of the wildest conspiracies found material support, his cultural imprint grew only larger.
    Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 14 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now there could be an M&A frenzy in the works as prospective buyers plot ways to carve up his representation empire.
    Ethan Millman, HollywoodReporter, 15 Feb. 2026
  • Unsurprisingly the two are already plotting more projects together.
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In Brazil, the debate on narcoterrorism, even after Furtado’s bill was back on the table, seemed not to interest the main figures of the country’s far right.
    Evandro Cruz Silva, The Dial, 10 Feb. 2026
  • That doesn’t interest me as a writer.
    Ernesto Lechner, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Those affected by the scheme can visit Agridime’s website to see how the company is handling investors’ claims.
    Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Jane Doe alleged that in 2013, Epstein’s associates directed her to open a Bank of America account as part of a scheme to deceive immigration officials.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This is Taymor’s first production to embark on a national tour, and she’s been fascinated by the range of audience responses.
    Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 9 Feb. 2026
  • From legal aspirations to a life of art As a girl, I was fascinated by color, texture and creative expressions.
    Anya Sesay, jsonline.com, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • On one side stood a dozen or so cages occupied by snow-white rats.
    Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • These are among the latest antisemitic conspiracy theories to be born from the Jeffrey Epstein files, following the document dump that has occupied online commentators for days.
    Grace Gilson, Sun Sentinel, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • As tall as a man and immersed in a sea of bracken, it is now covered in moss and disappears from sight amid summertime growth, only to reëmerge when winter arrives.
    Rebecca Mead, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • But Carew’s main objective is to continue immersing himself ever deeper into his new craft.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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