Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

intrigue

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of intrigue

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends
  • The intrigue was quickly discovered, and the would-be thieves were arrested.
Synonyms of intrigue

conspiracy, design, machination, plot, scheme
Words Related to intrigue

counterconspiracy, counterplot

frame-up

manipulation, subterfuge, trickery

artifice, contrivance, cover-up, dodge, draft, maneuver, stratagem, trick

cabal, confederacy, ring

game, gimmick, racket

ground plan, program, strategy, system

collusion, complicity, connivance, conniving, conspiration

Synonym Discussion of intrigue

plot, intrigue, machination, conspiracy, cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.
    • an assassination plot
intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.
    • backstairs intrigue
machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.
    • the machinations of a party boss
conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.
    • a conspiracy to fix prices
cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.
    • a cabal among powerful senators

intrigue

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of intrigue

1 to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends
  • evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high
Synonyms of intrigue

collude, connive, conspire, contrive, machinate, plot, put up, scheme
Words Related to intrigue

counterplot

brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch

engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate

design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape
2 to hold the attention of
  • The mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting.
Synonyms of intrigue

absorb, bemuse, busy, catch up, engage, engross, enthrall (or enthral), enwrap, fascinate, grip, immerse, interest, involve, occupy
Words Related to intrigue

allure, attract, beguile, bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, obsess

hypnotize, mesmerize

distract, preoccupy

hog, monopolize
Phrases Synonymous with intrigue

catch one's eye
Near Antonyms of intrigue

bore, jade, pall, tire, weary

Learn More about intrigue

  1. See words that rhyme with intrigue Dictionary: Definition of intrigue Spanish Central: Translation of intrigue Nglish: Translation of intrigue for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intrigue for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up intrigue? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games