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
And deepening the intrigue, the new study suggests lightning could be zapping inside these dust devils on Mars. Unnati Ashar, Space.com, 2 July 2025 Partying, and courtly intrigue, is a thousand-year-old Venetian mark in trade. Guy Martin, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
When Lee Do starts getting in Moon Baek’s way, the criminal mastermind becomes intrigued by the stalwart cop. Kayti Burt, Time, 25 July 2025 You may be intrigued by its shape, its colorful lights at night or its antique-looking architecture. Shelby Slade, AZCentral.com, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • Kingston will receive his sentence on Aug. 28, just under five months after he and his 63-year-old mother were found guilty of four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 July 2025
  • In November, Vaillant was convicted by a federal jury of conspiracy to commit criminal copyright infringement and is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 4.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Heading into the summer, Howe and the decision-makers at St James’ Park were surely plotting how to move forward again.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Republicans are plotting a similar scheme in Texas to secure their tenuous hold on Congress.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • The Menu One user posted a photo of the menu, which interested several Redditors.
    Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • Browse our entire portfolio of newsletter offerings to pick more topics that interest you specifically.
    Eric Larsen, IndyStar, 17 July 2025
Noun
  • Singer took in more than $25 million from his clients as part of the scheme, paid bribes totaling more than $7 million and used more than $15 million for his own benefit, according to prosecutors.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
  • The scheme requires drivers to pay a fee—based on the time and duration of their visit and their vehicle type—to enter the lower part of Manhattan, from the southern end of Central Park to the city’s financial district.
    Carlton Reid, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The author's own life story has also fascinated film makers: this year, a new BBC drama called Miss Austen imagined Jane Austen's life, alongside her sister Cassandra.
    Robbie Griffiths, NPR, 20 July 2025
  • Disney was fascinated with the technology behind robotic puppets that move and talk in a fluid way.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 17 July 2025
Verb
  • The Bruised star immersed herself in the canyon, and leaned against the rock formations while posing for photos and selfies.
    Starr Bowenbank, People.com, 30 July 2025
  • Residents can stroll through peaceful pathways, immerse themselves in nature, and find inspiration along the community’s unique art and poetry trail.
    Brigitte Nowinski, Sacbee.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

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