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

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

When the two storylines collide, Nolan stages a clash of A-list titans that throws the director’s usual cerebral machinations aside and instead satisfies his audience with some good old-fashion bloodlust. — James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026

But after episode 4, his machinations and power plays have come to light, setting him up as the next formidable adversary to the new queen — and the latest focus of the fandom’s memes. — Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026