INTRIGUE Synonyms: 89 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'intrigue' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intrigue are cabal , conspiracy , machination , and plot . While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. // backstairs intrigue

Q: When might 'cabal' be a better fit than 'intrigue'?

The synonyms cabal and intrigue are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence. // a cabal among powerful senators

Q: In what contexts can 'conspiracy' take the place of 'intrigue'?

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

Q: When could 'machination' be used to replace 'intrigue'?

The words machination and intrigue can be used in similar contexts, but machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. // the machinations of a party boss

Q: When would 'plot' be a good substitute for 'intrigue'?

While in some cases nearly identical to intrigue , plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. // an assassination plot

intrigue 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ˌtrēg

Definition of intrigue next

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends the intrigue was quickly discovered, and the would-be assassins were arrested

Synonyms & Similar Words

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intrigue

2 of 2

verb

in-ˈtrēg

as in to plot

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to interest

to hold the attention of the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun intrigue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of intrigue are cabal, conspiracy, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When might cabal be a better fit than intrigue?

The synonyms cabal and intrigue are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 intrigue?

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

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could machination be used to replace intrigue?

The words machination and intrigue can be used in similar contexts, but machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When would plot be a good substitute for intrigue?

While in some cases nearly identical to intrigue, plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Examples 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 intrigue

Noun

Does that catch your attention and offer some intrigue? —

Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024 The intrigue: Democrats have not won a statewide election in Texas since 1994. —

Tasha Tsiaperas, Axios, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

For those intrigued by this celestial event and eager to learn more about upcoming astronomical occurrences, check out our astronomical calendar. —

Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 15 Nov. 2024 The forest's extensive lifespan and unique characteristics continue to intrigue scientists, with many calling for further research into this extraordinary organism. —

Tom Howarth, Newsweek, 6 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intrigue

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue

Noun

Kennedy has pushed a number of public health conspiracies, most prominently around vaccines, and has advocated for other positions that are generally out of the mainstream, such as more availability of unpasteurized milk.

Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 15 Nov. 2024
Now, three city and county officials have been named in a federal indictment on conspiracy and bribery charges.

Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024