intrigue 1 of 2

intrigue

2 of 2

verb

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of intrigue
Noun
This show has political intrigue, there’s a murder mystery, there’s the destruction of the planet, and the premise is Sterling K. Brown plays a Secret Service agent who’s accused of killing the president and is sort of trying to unravel who was really at fault here, and that’s just on the surface. Yvonne Villarreal, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2025 The high-profile whodunnit has sparked massive intrigue from true crime fans across the country, spurring an array of podcasts, movies and television shows. Christopher Cann, USA Today, 17 June 2025
Verb
Was that part of what intrigued you about the projects? Jenelle Riley, Variety, 13 June 2025 Hall also got into bits and pieces of 19 games with the Nuggets, totaling just 114 minutes, but his G League sample is the part that intrigues. John Hollinger, New York Times, 20 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • And multiple members of the Trump Administration have promoted antisemitic conspiracies and associated with antisemitic extremists.
    Tom Dreisbach, NPR, 30 June 2025
  • Martinez Estrella remained convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy and gang assault.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 29 June 2025
Verb
  • Earlier this week, police arrested several people accused of plotting to overthrow the government and banned entry into the country, without explanation, for several people from Croatia and a theater director from Montenegro.
    Jovana Gec, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • The dark comedy films, which also star Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis, follow friends who plot to murder their abusive bosses.
    Althea Legaspi, Rolling Stone, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • If possible, talk to your boss about your future and what interests you.
    Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 26 June 2025
  • The Flames also have a lot of players who would interest the Sabres, who need a right-shot defenseman.
    Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • And most recycling schemes are still small-scale, unable to keep up with the sheer volume of cheap and short-use clothing flowing through the system.
    Zoe Bayliss Wong, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
  • Galeotti said these schemes can increase the national deficit and threaten the long-term viability of health care for seniors, individuals with disabilities and other citizens who need these programs.
    Jenna Sundel Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Long fascinated by the moa, Jackson and Walsh have been collecting bones of the extinct bird for years.
    Degen Pener, HollywoodReporter, 8 July 2025
  • Michael Karin has long been fascinated by what happens when inflammation — ideally a short-term burst of biological activity to promote healing or fight infection — turns chronic and potentially deadly.
    Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • The upper deck, styled in the same vein as a fluid, open-air veranda, features full-height windows that open on three sides, immersing the ship in its surrounding marine landscape.
    India Brown, Robb Report, 3 July 2025
  • It's been 23 years since the first Battlefield game, and the video game industry is nearly unrecognizable to anyone who was immersed in it then.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 2 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

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