Synonym Chooser

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 Why pull back the curtain on the inner machinations of the athletic department about 24 hours before their most important game of the season? Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 25 Mar. 2025 Sexual insecurity is what makes this great military man so vulnerable to Iago’s machinations. Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Mar. 2025 Now trapped inside the car and communicating through the car's speaker system, Eddie has to reckon with the devious machinations of William and whatever chaos he's got planned. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 Others would exhort that the end result is what counts, not how the inner machinations work. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for machination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for machination
Noun
  • The four were convicted on two counts each of kidnapping and robbery and one count each of conspiracy to kidnap for ransom.
    Taryn Luna, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • He also is found guilty of first-degree arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
    Todd Pendleton, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Nearly 30 years ago California legislators faced a test of their integrity in voting for an electricity deregulation scheme that ratepayers are still paying for.
    Jamie Court, Mercury News, 19 Apr. 2025
  • And perhaps the most frustrating and ironic aspect about these potential cuts is that in the scheme of the U.S. government’s overall budget, Mars gets much more of the planetary science budget than Venus.
    Bruce Dorminey, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Little is known about the story at this point, though recurring rumors are pointing to Jedi (or at least Force-sensitive characters) being a big part of the plot, even if the movie isn't a direct follow-up to the sequel trilogy.
    Fran Ruiz, Space.com, 18 Apr. 2025
  • This revelation sparks a revenge plot on his end to steal even more business from Staten and put his ranch in jeopardy.
    Francesca Gariano, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Machination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/machination. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on machination

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