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
And nothing suggests a cabal like the news story du jour. Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 19 July 2025 The implication was that some powerful figure, or perhaps a cabal of them, secretly killed Epstein to prevent damaging information about themselves from entering the public domain. Robert Schmad, The Washington Examiner, 18 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
  • And Ibiza is the clubbing capital.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Trent Grisham also enjoyed a multi-homer game, hitting a leadoff longball less than 24 hours after the Yankees clubbed nine homers.
    Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 21 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • Epps plays Chicago gang leader and lead character Malik, with Khalifa as 2wo-3ree, the confident and volatile leader of Malik’s young crew.
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2025
  • In providing background on its six-month extension, the FAA used the State Department’s recent designation of the country’s most powerful gang coalition, Viv Ansanm, as a global and Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO).
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 5 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 Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Julie and Todd were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax fraud in June 2022, while Julie was also found guilty of wire fraud.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • McDonald's previously collaborated with the singers for a popular BTS Meal in 2021.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 4 Sep. 2025
  • Armani started his menswear line in 1975 after being a freelance designer and collaborating frequently with Sergio Galeotti.
    Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump has previously ordered certain drug cartels — including five Mexican syndicates — to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations, and last month signed a Pentagon directive initiating the use of military force against drug trafficking groups.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Once confined to prison networks in Venezuela’s Aragua state, TDA has grown into a sprawling multinational criminal syndicate.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Later, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated his government's longstanding demands that Ukraine be demilitarized and stop trying to be allied with the West.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 21 Aug. 2025
  • That cell is reportedly allied with one of the two main factions of the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, according to the University of San Diego’s Justice in Mexico project.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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