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

Lexi and Ridge create a multitude of festive excursions — and excuses — to bring them together but thanks to creative machinations by June and Dan, these outings keep turning into foursomes. — Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026

These Wall Street jesters are ascending at a moment when there’s immense interest in the machinations of finance firms and rainmakers. — Andrew Zucker, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

Through Toinette’s machinations and Beralde’s subtle plans, show business itself becomes the day-saving tool in The Imaginary Invalid. — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026

This case smacks of the political machinations so typical of Tamarac. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026

The switch-up came with a bit of comic, manic machinations that Rock said reminded him of making Devil Without a Cause, his 1998 breakthrough. — Gary Graff, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2026

Elia’s observations of—and about—her father’s machinations would make for a far better movie. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 15 Oct. 2026

And the recording that exposed their machinations ultimately destroyed the type of ethnic politicking that made the careers of too many self-serving power grabbers, including this quartet. — Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026

The safety and dignity of more than two million civilians cannot continue to be held hostage to the decisions of Hamas, much less the machinations of internal Israeli politics. — Khaled Elgindy, Foreign Affairs, 8 Oct. 2026