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 of them had been mired in the labyrinth of QAnon — a conspiracy theory that among other things alleges a powerful cabal of elite pedophiles controls the government — ever since Q, the anonymous persona behind the conspiracy first began posting three years earlier in 2017. Donie O'Sullivan, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 There really was a secret cabal of the rich and powerful who committed horrific crimes, smug in the knowledge that their money and power would protect them. Pat Beall, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 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 most infamous incident occurred in 1926, when a 16-year-old boy was reportedly killed by a cassowary after attempting to club it.
    Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
  • The informal summit at private members club the Royal Overseas League sparked hopes relations between the two sides could improve in the coming months.
    Jack Royston, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • His passion for youth outreach and gang prevention led him to speak at schools and train departments across the country.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 17 Aug. 2025
  • The source said one of the victims is believed to be a member of the Folk Nation gang.
    Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The broadcasts have become dominated by heavy-handed sports gambling ads — an industry that leagues and teams alike have embraced — and the halftime show is pushing prop bets to the masses.
    Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 16 June 2025
  • Later, a brief one-on-one match between Will and league up-and-coming superstar Mane Attraction is shown.
    Jamie Lang, Variety, 9 June 2025
Noun
  • Vazquez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Federal charges against Cantrell in the Eastern District of Louisiana include conspiracy, wire fraud, false statements and obstruction of justice, court filings show.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • God Save the Gun also gave the band the chance to collaborate with friends who have been there since jump (Phillip Odom, James Goodson of Dazy, and Nick Panella of MSPAINT).
    Brenna Ehrlich, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2025
  • The Illinois State Board of Education collaborated on the report.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • That round remains ongoing, with OpenAI recently securing $8.3 billion from a syndicate of investors.
    Kate Clark, Fortune, 16 Aug. 2025
  • To finance the project, the Jamul Indian Village Development Corporation closed last March on a $515 million loan with a syndicate of commercial banks led by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc.
    Lori Weisberg, San Diego Union-Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The research and development office had been in the crosshairs of organizations allied with Trump, as the Times reported.
    Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 20 July 2025
  • Some Native American tribes allied with Britain, while others sided with France.
    Aurora Martínez, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 26 Aug. 2025.

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