Synonym Chooser

How does the noun machination differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of machination are cabal, conspiracy, intrigue, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

Where would cabal be a reasonable alternative to machination?

Although the words cabal and machination have much in common, 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 machination?

While the synonyms conspiracy and machination are close in meaning, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When might intrigue be a better fit than machination?

While in some cases nearly identical to machination, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When is plot a more appropriate choice than machination?

The words plot and machination can be used in similar contexts, but 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 machination Changing that fact would require a significant shift in business approach (though Amazon and Apple already have some of these machinations in place, including some bundling discounts). John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Hugo kept his cool as his crew became increasingly ensnared in Solène’s machinations and managed to keep a respectable distance from the interpersonal drama of the boat. Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2025 In Greenberg’s novel, Cherry and Hero are already secret lovers who conspire to thwart the menfolk’s machinations. Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 5 Sep. 2025 The machinations violated the NBA’s salary cap rules. Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for machination
Recent Examples of Synonyms for machination
Noun
  • Kormarczyk was indicted on charges of money laundering and conspiracy to commit unlicensed money transmitting, while Carbajal was indicted for conspiracy to commit unlicensed money transmitting.
    Rachel Wolf, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Both pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in May 2020.
    Hanna Park, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Rosenzweig worked on dozens of complex cases as a prosecutor in the economic crimes section, which focuses on healthcare fraud, money laundering and other financial schemes.
    Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The Lions’ surprisingly poor showing against their NFC North rivals kneecapped CBS’ deliveries, although the Eye Network also didn’t get much of a lift from the new BDP scheme.
    Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 3 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Sounds like the plot of a tear-jerking movie, no?
    David Oliver, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • While the parents might prefer a more cohesive plot or characters that convey emotional depth, teens and tweens should be captivated by the film’s imagery.
    Elisabeth Sherman, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Machination.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/machination. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on machination

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