cabal

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