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

Relevance

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
Then there’s the widespread QAnon conspiracy claiming that a global cabal of pedophiles is drinking the blood of children to gain immortality. New Atlas, 10 Aug. 2025 The three players to my left seem to be acting as a cabal, conferring and voting together. Leo Barraclough, Variety, 4 Aug. 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 child swung wildly at the piñata, clubbing it several times and stabbing it several times more.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 21 Oct. 2025
  • Guerrero clubbed three home runs, including a huge grand slam in game two.
    Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Oct. 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, 24 Oct. 2025
  • One of her Afghan neighbors was recently murdered by a gang in his bedroom, with his son watching.
    Vidushi Mishti Sharma, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Europe has not been kind to league leaders AEK Athens and pursuing PAOK, with both teams awaiting a first win in the Conference League and Europa League respectively, but the same cannot be said for domestic duties.
    Jack Bantock, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
  • Lasry, who is the CEO and co-founder of Avenue Capital Group, acquired the New York Mavericks – a team with the Professional Bull Riders league – in 2024.
    Alex Sherman,Contessa Brewer, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Jones, now 22, pleaded guilty to manslaughter, conspiracy and two weapons offenses.
    Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • But last week, the company was declared a transnational criminal organization by United States authorities, and Chen was charged in absentia in New York with money laundering conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy, along with several associates.
    Helen Regan, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Scientists from Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg, and Uppsala University collaborated on the study.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 24 Oct. 2025
  • For almost 11 years, Chung has been collaborating with robotic systems of their own creation, as a way of better understanding and engaging with their own creativity.
    Tharin Pillay, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Elon Musk’s SpaceX has disabled more than 2,500 Starlink devices in and around scam centers in Myanmar, following warnings from activists that mainly Chinese syndicates were using the technology to defraud people worldwide.
    Mithil Aggarwal, NBC news, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Jones confidential info about Player 3’w medical condition for the February 9, 2023 and January 15, 2024 games and leaked that info to co-conspirators in the gambling syndicate.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 23 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • In October 1940, the Soviet Union was allied with Nazi Germany and technically at war with Britain.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Her victory comes after the ruling Liberal Democratic Party allied with the Japan Innovation Party and reportedly signed an agreement over the weekend to form a coalition government.
    Lim Hui Jie, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cabal

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!