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
The subject of a true-crime podcast and television specials, the complicated family drama with its matriarch at the forefront was among this summer’s criminal cases of intrigue. Lauren Del Valle, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2025 The intrigue even had Knueppel a tad bit curious. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
Baum is intrigued by the smaller rod number, pointing out that different numbers can imply different uses for the structure. Veronique Greenwood, Quanta Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 And that's what intrigued Wahlberg the most about taking on director Shane Black's new version of the character that's been adapted many times before on the big screen. Sydney Bucksbaum, Entertainment Weekly, 7 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • The Bundys and several others in the vehicles were arrested and charged with multiple federal crimes, including conspiracy to impede federal officers.
    Nicole Blanchard, Idaho Statesman, 7 Sep. 2025
  • Julie and Todd were found guilty of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to defraud the United States and tax fraud in June 2022, while Julie was also found guilty of wire fraud.
    Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Its director, and franchise mastermind, Rian Johnson has proven himself a master of the whodunnit form with these films, showing a knack for Agatha Christie puzzle-plotting that, well, the actual adapters of Christie haven’t shown in recent years.
    Christian Blauvelt, IndieWire, 8 Sep. 2025
  • Unlike navigating on a flat map using Euclidean geometry, aeronautical navigation requires solving complex problems by calculating position and plotting courses on a model of the Earth as an ellipsoid, or a sphere.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Chances are, there’s a book on a topic that interests you.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2025
  • If casting a line doesn’t interest you, check out baking and walking trails, go snorkeling, do some bird watching, or simply soak in the sun.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Paul looks the part and Savaiinaea has the footwork and athleticism needed to thrive in this zone-blocking scheme.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 6 Sep. 2025
  • Park’s character in Confidence Queen Park sets one clever trap after another, fitting each scheme into a larger puzzle.
    Joan MacDonald, Forbes.com, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • But the idea has always fascinated him.
    Barry Levitt, Time, 5 Sep. 2025
  • So that image has always fascinated me.
    Maria Reva September 3, Literary Hub, 3 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • From Liu Li Palace’s Cantonese excellence to RASA’s international offerings, guests can immerse themselves in a culinary journey without leaving the hotel.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The husband-and-wife co-founders grew up in Brooklyn and spent their youth immersed in Williamsburg’s creative and cultural scene in the late 2000s.
    Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 13 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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