cabal 1 of 2

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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cabal

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun cabal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cabal are conspiracy, intrigue, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

Where would conspiracy be a reasonable alternative to cabal?

While in some cases nearly identical to cabal, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could intrigue be used to replace cabal?

While the synonyms intrigue and cabal are close in meaning, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

In what contexts can machination take the place of cabal?

In some situations, the words machination and cabal are roughly equivalent. However, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When is plot a more appropriate choice than cabal?

The synonyms plot and cabal are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of 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
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 And nothing suggests a cabal like the news story du jour. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cabal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabal
Noun
  • The series follows the Black Mafia Family in Detroit and is based on a true story.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
  • 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
  • The Padres smacked four home runs and clubbed them, 8-1, at Coors Field to clinch the three-game series.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Their 10-year-old daughter cheers three to four times a week and also does runners club twice a week, while their son plays soccer one to two times a week.
    Daniella Gray, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In Don’t Get High, an alpha dork and her merry gang of dweebs start an anti-drug group at their high school to make friends and influence people.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • This week, 32 member states of the OAS issued a joint statement supporting efforts by the United States and Panama to field a more aggressive force into Haiti to fight the gangs.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Which leagues’ windows will still be open after today?
    Leon Imber, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2025
  • The Magpies are set to lose their star striker, Alexander Isak, to league competitor Liverpool, and need a replacement.
    Manuel Veth, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • The jury convicted Patron of intentional killing while engaged in drug trafficking, hostage taking resulting in death and conspiracy to take hostages resulting in death.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Two young soldiers from each reality must unite to solve a government conspiracy.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • More advanced methods, including differential privacy and federated learning, allow researchers to collaborate without moving sensitive data outside hospital walls.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Pliops is collaborating with Tensormesh, inference optimization software.
    Thomas Coughlin, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • With his back against the wall, Tony must draw on his tactical training to protect his family and survive a deadly showdown with a powerful crime syndicate.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • In 1985, Tortora was accused by several alleged ex-mobsters turned informants and state witnesses of being part of a Neapolitan crime syndicate dedicated to drug trafficking.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Polish and allied officials have said that the incursion was intentional.
    Patrick Reevell, ABC News, 15 Sep. 2025
  • Thaksin briefly allied with Move Forward in an attempt to form a government, but reneged on that deal to instead lead a motley coalition alongside 10 establishment-leaning parties, including two directly responsible for the 2014 ouster of his sister.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 15 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 18 Sep. 2025.

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