intrigue 1 of 2

intrigue

2 of 2

verb

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

Example 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
Although the format creates intrigue at the bottom of the standings for the final weeks of the regular season, the desire for 15 teams is rooted in the twin goals of providing the top-four seeds with double byes (into the quarterfinals) and keeping the event to five days. Jon Wilner, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 Some are straightforward trenches with the bottoms chopped off; some update the silhouette with asymmetrical closures; some add hoods or capes to up the visual intrigue. Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
The front office was also intrigued with the possibility of playing William Nylander in the middle. Jonas Siegel, The Athletic, 26 Feb. 2025 Barclay also lauds the complexity and interesting layers of the show’s cast of characters as something that can keep not only the cast but also the viewers intrigued and engaged. Georg Szalai, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • She was arrested on suspicion of robbery (conspiracy) and resisting or obstructing officers, according to the news release.
    Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 1 Mar. 2025
  • The former cartel leader is facing multiple charges, including drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder, in the Eastern District of New York.
    Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Was only the first season really plotted out in any meaningful way?
    Erik Kain, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Black sharecroppers and tenant farmers were plotting an insurrection.
    Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made by History, TIME, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • As this strategy becomes more widespread, expect influential people to be inundated with similar requests (so if this strategy interests you, get started now).
    Nick Brown, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • Nothing and nobody could have interested George more than Ahmet did.
    Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The 22-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury came after a yearslong federal investigation and alleged Madigan participated in an array of bribery and extortion schemes from 2011 to 2019 aimed at using the power of his office for personal gain.
    Kori Rumore, Chicago Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • On Friday, Reardon tossed the case against Mario Juarez, the longtime political operative and twice-failed Oakland City Council candidate who claimed to have been the target of an extortion scheme by Price.
    Jakob Rodgers, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • In 1956, an aspiring young actor named Gene Hackman joined the Pasadena Playhouse in California, struggling to find a way into a field he’d been fascinated with since childhood.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 27 Feb. 2025
  • But Dan Hurley has a profound personal story & I was fascinated by how his holistic behind-the-scenes approach & volatile coaching style made Gen Z kids champions.
    Kels Dayton, Hartford Courant, 20 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Daniel Edwards grew up immersed in the sights and sounds of construction — the scent of sawdust and the hum of machinery hauling lumber.
    J.M. Banks, Kansas City Star, 8 Mar. 2025
  • For a period starting in the late Nineties, you were immersed in the world of pro wrestling and were a consultant for WCW.
    David Browne, Rolling Stone, 8 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 13 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

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