as in Mafias
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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cabals
Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Verb
The twilight of empire was also a time of conspiracy theories about international Jewish cabals, said to manipulate power through money and shadowy networks in order to rule the world.
—Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 22 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabals
Noun
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This restriction hampered the MSS’ ability to reduce gangs’ territorial control as gunmen coordinated and simultaneously launched attacks in different corners of the country.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
30 Sep. 2025
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the casualties include protesters and bystanders killed by members of the security forces, but also others killed in subsequent widespread violence and looting by individuals and gangs not associated with the protesters.—
CNN Money,
CNN Money,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Following a six-week trial last fall, CTJ and Si Oh Rhew were found guilty of two conspiracies and multiple counts of failure to file reports of currency transactions.—
Rosemary Feitelberg,
Footwear News,
1 Oct. 2025
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Federal prosecutors charged Cannon-Grant with three distinct conspiracies.—
Rick Sobey,
Boston Herald,
22 Sep. 2025
Noun
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But the criminal syndicates and the armed groups hosting them have exploited four years of devastating civil war to expand their business.—
Helen Regan,
CNN Money,
30 Sep. 2025
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The franchise sees Rambo — haunted by his time at war but equipped with superior military skills — using his expertise against corrupt police officers, crime syndicates, and enemy troops.—
Mekishana Pierre,
Entertainment Weekly,
18 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The unit collaborates with various federal, state, tribal, and local partners, including the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, to combat terrorism.—
Solcyré Burga,
Time,
2 Oct. 2025
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The brand frequently collaborates with stars on signature smoothies, with past partners including Hailey Bieber, Bella Hadid, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendall Jenner, and Olivia Rodrigo.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Prolonged radiation and geomagnetic activity can interfere with GPS networks, disrupt radio signals and damage spacecraft.—
Daisy Dobrijevic,
Space.com,
3 Oct. 2025
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For 48 hours, the Taliban appeared to turn back the clock in Afghanistan with a directive to cut off the internet and phone networks, disconnecting millions of people from the world outside.—
Hilary Whiteman,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
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The clans vote to fight for the Stuart king mostly thanks to Uncle Grant, who in a real surprise, gets very vocal about supporting the cause.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
26 Sep. 2025
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Yet the unit also targets dissenters and those, including various clans, some backed by Israel, that dare to defy Hamas’s rule.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
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Sylvia said fire crews had to access the scene by driving in the wrong direction from 59th Street.—
Ishani Desai,
Sacbee.com,
7 Oct. 2025
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Emergency medical crews took the man to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Many observers have pointed out the resemblance of the firing campaign to online mobs circa 2020, and the entire episode has reignited debates over the difference between free speech and social censure.—
Ali Breland,
The Atlantic,
17 Sep. 2025
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Violent mobs confronted the students on the first day of school, and initially, the Arkansas National Guard blocked them from entering the building under orders from segregationist Governor Orval Faubus.—
Time,
Time,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cabals.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabals. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.
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