intrigue

noun in·trigue \ ˈin-ˌtrēg , in-ˈtrēg \

Updated on: 21 Apr 2018

Definition of intrigue

1 a : a secret scheme : machination

b : the practice of engaging in secret schemes

2 : a clandestine love affair

See intrigue defined for English-language learners

Examples of intrigue in a Sentence

Rolston's work channels the vampish intrigue of vintage Hollywood with a sense of irony and wit that makes the work truly modern. —Stephanie Sung, Picture, September/October 2008
In this, as in any other enterprise where there is the promise of money, intrigues and lies and hoodwinking and bullying abound. —Alice Munro, "Hard-Luck Stories," in In the Stacks, 2002
The story began to take on a warm, attractive glow as a Highland romantic epic of heroism and villainy, of intrigue and bravery, complete with comely maidens such as Flora MacDonald and handsome heroes such as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. —Arthur Herman, How the Scots Invented the Modern World, 2001
a novel of intrigue and romance
an administration characterized by intrigue and corruption

Recent Examples of intrigue from the Web

Adding to the Republican intrigue 24 hours after Ryan’s announcement is an early preoccupation for other roles further down the leadership ladder.

— Bloomberg.com, "Ryan Seeks to Quell GOP Infighting by Rallying Around McCarthy," 12 Apr. 2018
Millet can be added to or sprinkled atop breads and muffins for textural intrigue or a pop of sunny color.

— ashleigh spitza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Millet, the underdog of grains, packs a punch of nutrients," 11 Apr. 2018
Make sure the world knows that Christianity is light in this world and it must be kept and don't let oil, don't let money, don't let any other values in the humanity or interest or political intrigues challenge you.

— Fox News, "Rep. DeSantis talks investigation into potential FISA abuses," 31 Mar. 2018
Adding to the intrigue: earlier this afternoon,... Lt.

— Newsweek, "Analysis," 14 Mar. 2018
Adding to the intrigue, Alex Thomas, a former aide to Ohio Gov. John Kasich, assisted Frost in reaching out to candidates before filing to run for a Central Ohio committee seat himself.

— andrew j. tobias, cleveland.com, "Recruitment play by Cuyahoga County Republican Party chairman raises suspicions of Ohio GOP leaders," 21 Feb. 2018
Others seemed to think Obama’s look was perfect, but that Wiley’s lush backdrop called for a little added intrigue.

— tierney mcafee, PEOPLE.com, "With All Due Respect to the Obamas' New Portraits, Twitter Offers Up Funny Alternatives," 12 Feb. 2018
While some may watch the Olympics for the sports, others are more interested in the drama and the political intrigue.

— gabriella paiella, The Cut, "Kim Jong-un’s Sister Is Going to the Olympics," 7 Feb. 2018
The political intrigue inside Britain’s power structure — from Parliament to Buckingham Palace — gives Darkest Hour a déjà vu quality.

— armond white, National Review, "The Greatest Showman," 19 Jan. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of intrigue

French intricate affair, from Italian intrigo, from intrigare to entangle, from Latin intricare — see intricate

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1609

See Words from the same year

intrigue Synonyms

Synonyms

conspiracy, design, machination, plot, scheme;

Related Words

counterconspiracy, counterplot;

frame-up;

manipulation, subterfuge, trickery;

artifice, contrivance, cover-up, dodge, draft, maneuver, stratagem, trick;

cabal, confederacy, ring;

game, gimmick, racket;

ground plan, program, strategy, system;

collusion, complicity, connivance, conniving, conspiration;

Synonym Discussion of intrigue

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

intrigue

verb in·trigue \ in-ˈtrēg \

Definition of intrigue

intrigued; intriguing

transitive verb

1 : cheat, trick

2 : to get, make, or accomplish by secret scheming

intrigued myself into the club

3 obsolete : entangle

4 : to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of

intrigued by the tale

intransitive verb

: to carry on an intrigue (see ¹intrigue); especially : plot, scheme

—

intriguer

noun

See intrigue defined for English-language learners

See intrigue defined for kids

Examples of intrigue in a Sentence

One day during math study period, after I'd finished my regular assignment, I took out a fresh sheet of paper and tried to solve a problem that had intrigued me: whether the first player in a game of ticktacktoe can always win, given the right strategy. —Martin Gardner, Scientific American, August 1998
Bundy was also a man whose thinking in foreign affairs was extremely conventional … but who in the area of domestic policy was curiously more open-minded and unconventional, so that throughout the Kennedy years, friends would be intrigued by the difference in Bundy. —David Halberstam, Harper's, July 1969
evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high
the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting