Synonyms of intrigue

intrigue 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌtrēg 

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

the intrigue was quickly discovered, and the would-be assassins were arrested

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

intrigue

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈtrēg 

1

as in to plot

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends

evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plot
• scheme
• conspire
• plan
• contrive
• connive
• collude
• machinate
• compass
• put up
• counterplot
• design
• devise
• engineer
• hatch
• manipulate
• cook (up)
• concoct
• maneuver
• brew
• shape
• map
• jockey
• lay out
• frame

2

as in to interest

to hold the attention of

the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting

Synonyms & Similar Words

• interest
• fascinate
• occupy
• immerse
• involve
• busy
• attract
• grip
• engross
• engage
• bemuse
• enthrall
• distract
• absorb
• enchant
• charm
• preoccupy
• captivate
• catch up
• enwrap
• allure
• catch one's eye
• mesmerize
• obsess
• bewitch
• beguile
• hypnotize
• monopolize
• hog

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bore
• weary
• pall
• tire
• jade

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intrigue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intrigue are cabal, conspiracy, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When might cabal be a better fit than intrigue?

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

a cabal among powerful senators

In what contexts can conspiracy take the place of intrigue?

While the synonyms conspiracy and intrigue are close in meaning, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could machination be used to replace intrigue?

The words machination and intrigue can be used in similar contexts, but machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When would plot be a good substitute for intrigue?

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

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of intrigue

Noun

Overall, there’s intrigue around the package and early optimism, despite Stroll’s FP1 incident. — Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 July 2026

Spence's comeback at 160 pounds after his 2023 loss to Crawford adds another layer of intrigue to this must-watch boxing spectacle. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026

Verb

Many tasters were intrigued by Madre’s intense smoke, but in the end, some tasters deemed it too polarizing for either cocktails or sipping. — Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026

When the Covid-19 vaccine was released in 2020, Daniel Pendergast was intrigued. — Leah Rosenbaum, STAT, 23 July 2026