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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as in to club
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Dissimilar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cabal
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
Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
Many believed that Trump was engaged in a secret war with this cabal of predators and would eventually bring them to justice.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cabal
Noun
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
Verb
The three players to my left seem to be acting as a cabal, conferring and voting together.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 2025
Many believed that Trump was engaged in a secret war with this cabal of predators and would eventually bring them to justice.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 29 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for cabal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabal
Noun
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The series follows the Black Mafia Family in Detroit and is based on a true story.—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
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On the surface, the crime drama follows the rise and fall of the Black Mafia Family — one of the most influential crime families in the country.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
16 Aug. 2025
Verb
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The Western world is experiencing something of a psychedelic renaissance, with an increasing amount of interest in drugs that decades ago were considered rebellious and dangerous to some groups but fun to others who used it while clubbing and attending raves.—
Soph Warnes,
CNN Money,
28 Sep. 2025
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Francisco Lindor clubbed Alcantara’s second pitch 392 feet to right center for his 31st homer of the season and Pete Alonso added an RBI double.—
Steve Gorten,
Miami Herald,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Labels matter Security analysts say the situation in Haiti continues to defy clear international legal characterization and the choice of labels – crisis, armed conflict, gangs, terrorist groups, armed groups, criminal groups, insurgents – carries significant legal and humanitarian implications.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
26 Sep. 2025
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In 2019, there were five high-profile security issues at the Golden complex, including a staff member arrested on suspicion of possessing child pornography, multiple escapes by violent young people and a riot between rival gangs, which injured three staff members.—
Sam Tabachnik,
Denver Post,
26 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Lasry, who is the CEO and co-founder of Avenue Capital Group, acquired the New York Mavericks – a team with the Professional Bull Riders league – in 2024.—
Alex Sherman,Contessa Brewer,
CNBC,
25 Sep. 2025
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Which leagues’ windows will still be open after today?—
Leon Imber,
New York Times,
1 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Although the incidents were, on paper, entirely separate, Skeet and his allies believed they were linked and evidence of a conspiracy, orchestrated by Brandon and his allies, to remove them from power in the county.—
Mitch Moxley,
Rolling Stone,
27 Sep. 2025
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But those on higher floors live better than those on lower floors, so drama and conspiracy run wild.—
Keith Langston,
PEOPLE,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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On past tracks, Mustelier Oruña has collaborated with former boxer and fellow reparto artist Wildeys García Cascaret, known simply as Wildey.—
Ana González Vilá,
Rolling Stone,
25 Sep. 2025
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Bryant has collaborated with a list of celebrity hairstylists for major public appearances and cover shoots, including Brenton Kane Diallo, a global brand ambassador for L’Oréal Matrix.—
Kaleigh Werner,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Along the way, there’s usually some crime syndicate causing trouble and towns filled with folks looking for help, but the primary throughline is collecting, training, and battling.—
Christopher Cruz,
Rolling Stone,
24 Sep. 2025
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The franchise sees Rambo — haunted by his time at war but equipped with superior military skills — using his expertise against corrupt police officers, crime syndicates, and enemy troops.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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They are allied with regal and Martha Washington geraniums, and both bear prolific blooms with deep red petals; the petal bases of Lily are black, while those of Jack of Hearts are red.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
26 Sep. 2025
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In contrast, the Volkswagen car company was closely allied with the Nazis and saturated with its ideology.—
Robert M. Ehrenreich,
JSTOR Daily,
24 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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