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 next

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 Concrete plans will be ironed out on Sunday (yes, Easter Sunday), one source with knowledge of the inner machinations tells THR. —

Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Apr. 2026 Amid myriad double crosses and revelations, the various plot machinations converge in satisfying ways. —

David Faris, TheWeek, 3 Apr. 2026 The machinations behind the music industry often make for fascinating television, and that's the premise behind Japanese drama Dream Stage. —

K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026 Behind every trauma and calamity, whether personal or global, whispers of Jewish machination can be heard by those already listening for them. —

Mike Rothschild, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for machination

Recent Examples of Synonyms for machination

Noun

Bambaataa denied the allegations in a statement that invoked a sense of conspiracy, and suggested that the accusers were agents intent on tarnishing his reputation.

— Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
Each are ordered to pay more than $1 million in restitution for their role in the conspiracy, federal officials said.

— Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

Definition of conspiracy

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

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Synonyms of machination

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