Synonyms of machination

machination

noun

ˌma-kə-ˈnā-shən 

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

incredibly complicated machinations to assassinate the president that inevitably failed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conspiracy
• scheme
• plot
• intrigue
• strategy
• design
• subterfuge
• manipulation
• trickery
• stratagem
• maneuver
• cabal
• counterplot
• contrivance
• collusion
• racket
• confederacy
• frame-up
• system
• connivance
• complicity
• conniving
• dodge
• program
• counterconspiracy
• cover-up
• artifice
• draft
• ground plan
• gimmick
• trick
• conspiration
• ring
• game

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

Recent Examples of machination

The season 3 finale centers around Ginny's efforts to sway the trial — and the messy aftermath of her machinations. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 7 June 2025

This hardly comes as a surprise, and American policymakers have plenty of experience in dealing with such machinations. —Kori Schake, Foreign Affairs, 24 June 2025

For now, all moves, from the subtle to the substantial, will likely remain on hold until there is resolution with Durant and the trade machinations of the Phoenix Suns. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025

Yet while the saga is complex, it’s also revealed a lot about the behind-the-scenes machinations of Hollywood, and the central influence publicists and lawyers hold in the industry. —David MacK, Rolling Stone, 10 June 2025