Synonyms of conspiracy

conspiracy

noun

kən-ˈspir-ə-sē 

1

as in Mafia

a group involved in secret or criminal activities

members of the conspiracy recognized each other by a secret handshake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• Mafia
• gang
• syndicate
• network
• cabal
• crew
• mob
• ring
• clan
• clique
• coven
• bunch
• crowd
• circle
• coterie
• pack
• lot
• oligarchy
• junta
• set
• galère

2

as in complicity

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

a conspiracy among the leading manufacturers to fix prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complicity
• collusion
• connivance
• intrigue
• scheme
• skullduggery
• plot
• chicanery
• skulduggery
• duplicity
• setup
• foul play
• cover-up
• double-dealing
• conspiration
• frame-up

3

as in scheme

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

several generals were engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scheme
• plot
• intrigue
• machination
• strategy
• design
• subterfuge
• manipulation
• maneuver
• trickery
• cabal
• collusion
• stratagem
• frame-up
• counterplot
• cover-up
• complicity
• confederacy
• racket
• counterconspiracy
• system
• program
• contrivance
• connivance
• conspiration
• dodge
• draft
• conniving
• ground plan
• ring
• trick
• gimmick
• artifice
• game

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conspiracy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspiracy are cabal, intrigue, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When would cabal be a good substitute for conspiracy?

The synonyms cabal and conspiracy are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

When might intrigue be a better fit than conspiracy?

While the synonyms intrigue and conspiracy 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 conspiracy?

In some situations, the words machination and conspiracy are roughly equivalent. However, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When is it sensible to use plot instead of conspiracy?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspiracy, plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conspiracy

In July, Oak View Group’s CEO Timothy Leiweke was indicted for orchestrating a conspiracy to rig the bidding process in an arena deal in Austin, Texas. —Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025

Adelson was found guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy and solicitation in the killing of Daniel Markel over a decade ago. —Stephen Sorace, FOXNews.com, 5 Sep. 2025

Feds arrest Ohio men in international drug conspiracy. —Erin Glynn, Cincinnati Enquirer, 4 Sep. 2025

But behind this battle royale lies a deadly conspiracy that forces them to face off against each other and the demons of their past. —Aaron Couch, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2025