conspiracy

noun

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con·spir·a·cy | \ kən-ˈspir-ə-sē

plural conspiracies

Definition of conspiracy

1 : the act of conspiring together They were accused of conspiracy to commit murder.

2a : an agreement among conspirators uncovered a conspiracy against the government

b : a group of conspirators a conspiracy made up of disgruntled aristocrats

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about conspiracy

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Synonyms for conspiracy

Synonyms

Choose the Right Synonym for conspiracy

plot, intrigue, machination, conspiracy, cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. an assassination plot intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. backstairs intrigue machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. the machinations of a party boss conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery. a conspiracy to fix prices cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence. a cabal among powerful senators

Examples of conspiracy in a Sentence

The CIA uncovered a conspiracy against the government. They were accused of conspiracy to commit murder.

Recent Examples on the Web In his book excerpt, Boehner addresses the Fox News crew’s indulgence of conspiracy theories. — Washington Post, "Opinion: John Boehner called Sean Hannity a ‘nut.’ That’s way too kind.," 6 Apr. 2021 The opposition is rooted in a mix of religious faith and a longstanding wariness of mainstream science, and it is fueled by broader cultural distrust of institutions and gravitation to online conspiracy theories. — New York Times, "How White Evangelicals’ Vaccine Refusal Could Prolong the Pandemic," 5 Apr. 2021 In recent months, Huntington Beach Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz drew national media attention for his anti-mask stance and support of right-wing conspiracy theories, much to the dismay of residents hoping to change the city’s reputation. — Hayley Smith, Los Angeles Times, "‘It’s absolutely terrifying’: O.C. residents receive onslaught of KKK propaganda," 5 Apr. 2021 But McCarthy did not take action against Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene after some Republicans called on him to strip her of committee assignments over her statements fueling violence and promoting conspiracy theories. — BostonGlobe.com, "‘An incredibly difficult balancing act:’ Will Kevin McCarthy lead the fractious House Republicans to the majority?," 3 Apr. 2021 Among the rare lawmakers to express support for Gaetz is freshman GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, another rising figure in the GOP propelled by her media appearances and use of social media to spread baseless conspiracy theories. — Michael Balsamo And Alan Fram, orlandosentinel.com, "Matt Gaetz finds few in GOP rushing to defend him amid sex trafficking probe," 2 Apr. 2021 That was in reaction to her history of spreading threatening and false conspiracy theories on social media. — Alan Fram, ajc, "Pelosi: Remove Rep. Gaetz from committee if claims are true," 1 Apr. 2021 Last week a dozen state attorneys general called on Facebook and Twitter to take more aggressive action against conspiracy theories, hoaxes and lies that are undermining public confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines. — Jessica Guynn, USA TODAY, "How to add ‘I got my COVID vaccine’ frame to your Facebook profile," 1 Apr. 2021 The show leaves viewers with the crucial question of whether old free-speech laws should protect new conspiracy theories. — Judy Berman, Time, "How Docu-Mania Took Streaming by Storm, From Tiger King to WeWork," 1 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'conspiracy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near conspiracy

conspicuous

conspicuous consumption

conspiracist

conspiracy

conspiracy of silence

conspiracy theorist

conspiracy theory

Statistics for conspiracy

Last Updated

9 Apr 2021

Cite this Entry

“Conspiracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/conspiracy. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for conspiracy

conspiracy

noun

English Language Learners Definition of conspiracy

: a secret plan made by two or more people to do something that is harmful or illegal

: the act of secretly planning to do something that is harmful or illegal

See the full definition for conspiracy in the English Language Learners Dictionary

conspiracy

noun

con·spir·a·cy | \ kən-ˈspir-ə-sē

plural conspiracies

Kids Definition of conspiracy

1 : a secret agreement to do something harmful or unlawful

2 : the act of plotting with others to do something harmful or unlawful

3 : a group of conspirators

conspiracy

noun

con·spir·a·cy | \ kən-ˈspir-ə-sē

plural conspiracies

Legal Definition of conspiracy

1 : an agreement between two or more people to commit an act prohibited by law or to commit a lawful act by means prohibited by law also : the crime or tort of participating in a conspiracy — compare substantive crime

Note: Some states require an overt act in addition to the agreement to constitute conspiracy.

— chain conspiracy

: a conspiracy in which the conspirators act separately and successively (as in distributing narcotics)

— civil conspiracy

: a conspiracy that is not prosecuted as a crime but that forms the grounds for a lawsuit

— criminal conspiracy

: a conspiracy prosecuted as a crime

2 : a group of conspirators