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
• plot
• chicanery
• duplicity
• setup
• skulduggery
• foul play
• cover-up
• conspiration
• double-dealing
• 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

The charges accuse Maduro, Flores and others of participating in a decades-long conspiracy involving drug trafficking and narco-terrorism, with cocaine shipments moving from Colombia through Venezuela and onward to the United States via Central America and the Caribbean. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026

The unlikely friends and partners have to save the city of Zootopia again by helping a snake (Ke Huy Quan) on the loose and uncovering a longtime conspiracy against reptiles. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

Olivar is charged with racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and distribution of methamphetamine. —Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 20 Mar. 2026

Perhaps Duff’s conspiracy wasn’t so out there after all. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026