Synonyms of machinations

machinations

noun

plural of machination

as in schemes

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

incredibly complicated machinations to assassinate the president that inevitably failed

Synonyms & Similar Words

• schemes
• conspiracies
• plots
• intrigues
• manipulations
• subterfuges
• strategies
• trickeries
• designs
• stratagems
• maneuvers
• cabals
• counterplots
• artifices
• contrivances
• collusions
• frame-ups
• dodges
• systems
• rackets
• confederacies
• programs
• complicities
• counterconspiracies
• cover-ups
• drafts
• connivances
• ground plans
• gimmicks
• tricks
• games
• rings
• conspirations

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of machinations

The Heat are hard-capped at the NBA first luxury-tax apron due to the machinations required to trade last month for Milwaukee Bucks forwards Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026

Extrapolating from salacious and rumor-filled ancient sources, the novel offers an inside scoop into the machinations of the first Roman imperial family. — Literary Hub, 12 Aug. 2026

That the strategic ploy of publicly confirming her brother’s unconfirmable death might require additional machinations? — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026

Decades out of practice, Saxberger is assailed by writer’s block and confused by the machinations of a modern-day publishing industry that wants to turn his rediscovery into a branding exercise. — Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026

His command of celebrity culture — its secrets, scandals, and machinations — was already firmly entrenched. — Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

However, year after year, predicting Preller’s midsummer machinations has proved a largely futile endeavor. — Dennis Lin, New York Times, 30 July 2026

Kapor had a lot more to say, about blazing a trail without a map, about the machinations of markets, and about the opportunities that the world is exploring now. — John Werner, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026