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
In any case, furor and intrigue over happenings at SNL are nothing new. Matt Grobar, Deadline, 15 Sep. 2025 Marc Metrick, chief executive officer of Saks Global, wants nothing more than to move beyond all the financial intrigue and talk of past-due bills, mortgages and debts. Evan Clark, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
The early word was that the Eagles were intrigued about how Bigsby could help on kickoff returns, especially with the new rules. Zach Berman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025 The news, at the time, intrigued the fashion world. Fiona Sinclair Scott, CNN Money, 12 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • The jury convicted Patron of intentional killing while engaged in drug trafficking, hostage taking resulting in death and conspiracy to take hostages resulting in death.
    Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Two young soldiers from each reality must unite to solve a government conspiracy.
    Clare Mulroy, USA Today, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro – who was this week convicted of plotting to overturn his country’s 2022 election and sentenced to more than 27 years in jail – is far from being the first Latin American leader to run into legal trouble.
    Sofía Benavides, CNN Money, 14 Sep. 2025
  • Another restructure is being plotted, with a meeting scheduled next week to discuss plans.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The fund also uses zero leverage—a nice extra margin of safety should interest rates unexpectedly rise.
    Michael Foster, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • The Jazz have another veteran big man who could interest rival teams in Lauri Markkanen, who has been the subject of trade rumors lately.
    Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Roberts and Robinson, who federal prosecutors say conducted the scheme over the course of five years, between 2018 and 2023, allegedly stole $900,000 from the court system.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Just look at the offense — more weapons, better scheme, more support.
    Dianna Russini, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Molina, who is fascinated by silver screen legend Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez), distracts himself and Valentín with a recounting of his favorite film of hers — The Kiss of the Spider Woman.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Sep. 2025
  • That kind of content always fascinated me, both sides of it, actually, the victimology and the perpetrator’s perspective.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • You could be immersed in a home renovation project when work calls or feel a sense of guilt for asking your parents for a raincheck.
    Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Todd-Avery Lenahan, president and chief creative officer of Wynn Design & Development, immerses guests in a mysterious, moody underwater world.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 19 Sep. 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!