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
Dates are only spread by word of mouth, which adds to the intrigue. Jen Murphy, Travel + Leisure, 15 Aug. 2025 Charlotte City Council District 4 In City Council District 4, which includes much of the University City area, the intrigue lies with Johnson once again facing Wil Russell in a Democratic primary. Mary Ramsey august 14, Charlotte Observer, 14 Aug. 2025
Verb
That question had long intrigued Stella Biderman, executive director of the grassroots nonprofit research lab Eleuther AI. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2025 After spying the lipstick backstage at a Diotima show, senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden was instantly intrigued—even though mattes aren’t typically her cup of tea. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • Vazquez previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to traffic firearms and was sentenced to 11 years in prison.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Federal charges against Cantrell in the Eastern District of Louisiana include conspiracy, wire fraud, false statements and obstruction of justice, court filings show.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • That’s thanks in part to the years of federal science data that have been collected and fed into computer models that assist the center’s hurricane specialists in plotting forecasts.
    Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 16 Aug. 2025
  • Loomer, a conservative influencer, has accused Kennedy of plotting another run.
    Will McDuffie, ABC News, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Browse our entire portfolio of newsletter offerings to pick more topics that interest you specifically.
    Eric Larsen, IndyStar, 12 Aug. 2025
  • Political coverage, and especially celebrity and scandal stories, are central to the news media and the pollsters now, as if these were the main or only topics that interest Americans.
    Karlyn Bowman, Forbes.com, 11 Aug. 2025
Noun
  • So yes, before the green flag dropped Saturday, with the throwback paint scheme unchipped and pristine — that was the moment that everyone was waiting on.
    Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 17 Aug. 2025
  • From a scheme perspective, that would also fall on LaFleur.
    Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Growing up in the tiny town of Kingston, Minnesota, population less than 200, Tanner had always been fascinated by extreme weather.
    Jim Clash, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
  • The president is known to be fascinated with the sport, having attended three UFC events since his election in November.
    Swapna Venugopal Ramaswamy, USA Today, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • With its own helicopter pad on the top of the 38-story tower, the Rolls-Royce showroom and Houston's only Bugatti dealership on the ground floor, you will be immersed in luxury from head to toe.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Born in the Spanish Harlem neighborhood of New York to Puerto Rican parents, Eddie grew up immersed in the jazz world.
    Ilana Kaplan, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

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