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conspiracy

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of conspiracy

1 a group involved in secret or criminal activities

  • members of the conspiracy recognized each other by a secret handshake
Synonyms of conspiracy

cabal, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, ring, syndicate
Words Related to conspiracy

bunch, circle, clan, clique, coterie, coven, crowd, galère, lot, network, pack, set

junta, oligarchy

2 a secret agreement or cooperation between two parties for an illegal or dishonest purpose

  • a conspiracy among the leading manufacturers to fix prices
Synonyms of conspiracy

collusion, complicity, connivance
Words Related to conspiracy

chicanery, foul play, skulduggery (or skullduggery)

double-dealing, duplicity

cover-up, frame-up, setup

conspiration, intrigue, plot, scheme

3 a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

  • several generals were engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the government
Synonyms of conspiracy

design, intrigue, machination, plot, scheme
Words Related to conspiracy

counterconspiracy, counterplot

frame-up

manipulation, subterfuge, trickery

artifice, contrivance, cover-up, dodge, draft, maneuver, stratagem, trick

cabal, confederacy, ring

game, gimmick, racket

ground plan, program, strategy, system

collusion, complicity, connivance, conniving, conspiration

Synonym Discussion of conspiracy

plot, intrigue, machination, conspiracy, cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.
    • an assassination plot
intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.
    • backstairs intrigue
machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.
    • the machinations of a party boss
conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.
    • a conspiracy to fix prices
cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.
    • a cabal among powerful senators

Learn More about conspiracy

  1. Dictionary: Definition of conspiracy Spanish Central: Translation of conspiracy Nglish: Translation of conspiracy for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of conspiracy for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about conspiracy

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