Machiavellianism
noun
Ma·chi·a·vel·lian·ism
ˌma-kē-ə-ˈve-lē-ə-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈvel-yə-ˌni-zəm
: the political theory of Machiavelli
especially
: the view that politics is amoral and that any means however unscrupulous can justifiably be used in achieving political power
Examples of Machiavellianism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Those most skeptical of climate change scored higher on scales associated with narcissism (self-importance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness), and psychopathy (callousness).
—
Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The researchers also tested whether people could identify narcissism, psychopathy, or Machiavellianism just by looking at faces—and the results were mixed.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Dark Empath Picture a leader exhibiting equal parts narcissism, sociopathy, and Machiavellianism.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
At times, Capricorn’s energy can have an undertone of Machiavellianism.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
Dark personality traits include psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The researchers noted the triad includes three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.2
People with all three traits often disregard others and lack compassion and empathy.
—Stephanie Booth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
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Phil De Luna, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The researchers also tested whether people could identify narcissism, psychopathy, or Machiavellianism just by looking at faces—and the results were mixed.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Dark Empath Picture a leader exhibiting equal parts narcissism, sociopathy, and Machiavellianism.
—Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
At times, Capricorn’s energy can have an undertone of Machiavellianism.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
Dark personality traits include psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The researchers noted the triad includes three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.2
People with all three traits often disregard others and lack compassion and empathy.
—Stephanie Booth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Machiavellianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Machiavellianism. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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