machination

noun

mach·​i·​na·​tion ˌma-kə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce machination (audio)
ˌma-shə-
1
: an act of machinating
2
: a scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end
backstage machinations … that have dominated the film industryPeter Bogdanovich
Choose the Right Synonym for machination

plot, intrigue, machination, conspiracy, cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end.

plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

Examples of machination in a Sentence

incredibly complicated machinations to assassinate the president that inevitably failed
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The Heat previously had been hard capped at the higher second tax apron, due to the machinations of the Robinson trade. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 7 July 2025 It was intended to provide greater access to the machinations of the co-op and to accommodate members with disabilities, the elderly and parents who can't make it to the hours-long evening meetings, according to CJ Glackin, one of the sponsors of the referendum. Vanessa Romo, NPR, 7 July 2025 The machinations of a machine, however, don't really matter in the same way. ArsTechnica, 30 June 2025 As political machinations across the galaxy threaten to implode, Paul and Chani (Zendaya) must decide whether their love and cause can survive the burden of messianic power. Travis Bean, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for machination

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of machination was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Machination.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/machination. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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