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
Since then, the case has garnered intrigue from true-crime fans nationwide, and Read has amassed a legion of supporters who have held demonstrations professing her innocence. Catch up here on Read's retrial. Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 14 June 2025 His career, his real identity and his mission are pitted against his heart; hurling them both into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage. Denise Petski, Deadline, 9 June 2025
Verb
What intrigued him most was the contradiction at the heart of his character. Jp Mangalindan, Time, 4 June 2025 Moylan is intrigued, personally, by a newer service, green burial, which is to say, O.G. burial: using biodegradable materials and no embalming fluid. Paige Williams, New Yorker, 2 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • Erik Fleming Erik Fleming, a TV director and former acquaintance of Perry's from Los Angeles' Hawthorne neighborhood, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, per the press release.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 17 June 2025
  • On May 15, 2025, the New Jersey Hammonton Police Department arrested Castaneda for burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary.
    Nick Mordowanec, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 June 2025
Verb
  • The State of Connecticut on Wednesday dropped criminal contempt charges against Michelle Troconis, who’s already serving more than 14 years for helping plot the murder of her then-boyfriend’s estranged wife, Jennifer Farber Dulos.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 19 June 2025
  • Sitting around the long table in the Cabinet Room, Netanyahu reminded Trump that Iran had plotted to assassinate him, according to one of the officials who attended the meeting.
    Eric Cortellessa, Time, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • What interested him most was why his captors had resorted to kidnapping him and his father in the first place.
    Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 14 June 2025
  • For now, the editorial line of the streamers in France doesn’t interest me.
    Annika Pham, Variety, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • That will start with sharpening his knowledge of Kelly’s scheme.
    Tashan Reed, New York Times, 18 June 2025
  • While Google displays only the scheme and host name of the site the ad links to (for instance, https://www.microsoft.com), the ad appends parameters to the path to the right of that address.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • The writer was fascinated with sharks after spotting them during childhood fishing trips with his father on Nantucket.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 20 June 2025
  • That stuff about the Gunn Mummy fascinates me though.
    Hazlitt, Hazlitt, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • After birth, a baby is immediately immersed in a sea of words and rhythm, as their caregivers coo over them, chatter and sing lullabies.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2025
  • But, according to Hoffman, corporate citizenship leaders are immersing themselves in extensive planning for both short-term and long-term challenges as well as identifying opportunities for continued growth and sustained impact in their companies and communities.
    Timothy J. McClimon, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!