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

\/\/ backstairs intrigue<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'cabal' be a better fit than 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms cabal<\/em><\/a> and intrigue<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal<\/em> typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.<\/p>

\/\/ a cabal<\/em> among powerful senators<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'conspiracy' take the place of 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ a conspiracy<\/em> to fix prices<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'machination' be used to replace 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ the machinations<\/em> of a party boss<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'plot' be a good substitute for 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to intrigue<\/em>, plot<\/em><\/a> implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.<\/p>

\/\/ an assassination plot<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the noun 'intrigue' differ from other similar words?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ backstairs intrigue<\/em><\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When might 'cabal' be a better fit than 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The synonyms cabal<\/em><\/a> and intrigue<\/em> are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal<\/em> typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.<\/p>

\/\/ a cabal<\/em> among powerful senators<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "In what contexts can 'conspiracy' take the place of 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ a conspiracy<\/em> to fix prices<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When could 'machination' be used to replace 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ the machinations<\/em> of a party boss<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When would 'plot' be a good substitute for 'intrigue'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While in some cases nearly identical to intrigue<\/em>, plot<\/em><\/a> implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.<\/p>

\/\/ an assassination plot<\/em><\/p>" } } ] }

intrigue 1 of 2

noun

ˈin-ËŒtrÄ“g How to pronounce intrigue (audio)
Definition of intriguenext
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-ˈtrÄ“g How to pronounce intrigue (audio)
1
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
2
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

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
But fans of schoolyard intrigue (and thus literary scandal) will be disappointed by the biography’s respectful sense of duty toward its subject. —Katy Waldman, New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2026 Set against mountainous landscapes and rural lakes, the story follows a wandering swordsman who is falsely accused of stealing a shipment of gold and must unravel a web of intrigue involving bandits, palace guards and corrupt officials while attempting to clear his name. —Lin Ying-Hsuan, Variety, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
Director Genki Kawamura’s ominous feature might well be the ultimate headtrip, and we’re intrigued. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 18 Mar. 2026 The RedHawks had never really been consistent winners, but Steele was intrigued. —Tim Rohan, NBC news, 17 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
  1. conspiracy
  2. plot
  3. interest
  4. scheme
  5. fascinate
  6. occupy
  7. immerse
Noun
  • Austin Lynch, 18, was arraigned Friday for conspiracy in the fourth degree, the Suffolk County district attorney said.
    — Katie Houlis, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The anti-graft agency also arrested 23 people on suspicion of offenses such as bribery and conspiracy to defraud.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Verb
  • This prompts James and Soames to plot Jo’s ousting from the company so Soames may assume the role of chairman.
    — Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 22 Mar. 2026
  • Alexandre Dumas’s novel of identity and revenge gets a big-budget remake with Sam Claflin starring as Edmond Dantès, a sailor wrongly imprisoned in an island fortress who, after his escape and subsequent treasure finding, plots his vengeance.
    — Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of plot
Verb
  • If the mouse doesn't interest you, save money by subscribing to the standalone Hulu app.
    — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 19 Mar. 2026
  • And along with gender and empowerment, there’s also something about having bright colors and a lot of grief on stage that interests me.
    — Jared Kaufman, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2026
Definition of interest
Noun
  • The scheme involved thousands of dummy servers, according to the indictment.
    — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2026
  • Prosecutors have called the Feeding Our Future scheme the largest pandemic fraud case in the country.
    — WCCO Staff, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of scheme
Verb
  • In the story, a fictional scientist, Dobb, studies personoid theology and is fascinated by their struggles to understand the nature of their creator, leading to their eventual rejection of Dobb as a deity.
    — Dimitris Tsementzis, Fortune, 14 Mar. 2026
  • Ever since that fateful 1950s day in New Jersey when Steve Spielberg's father roused him from slumber to take a late-night rural drive out to watch a spectacular shooting star show, the legendary filmmaker has been fascinated with outer space and the mysteries of the cosmos.
    — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 13 Mar. 2026
Definition of fascinate
Verb
  • But there is still plenty of room for improvement at the nickel position, currently occupied by Chau Smith-Wade, and the rest of the depth chart.
    — Mike Kaye March 24, Charlotte Observer, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Politics consequently occupies much of the space for leftists that is usually taken up by family, religion, career and community for conservatives.
    — Bradley Gitz, Arkansas Online, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of occupy
Verb
  • Rosen and his team have spent nearly 200 days on the road immersing themselves in 16 vibrant cultures.
    — Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 23 Mar. 2026
  • After signing 30 players since Sullivan’s arrival, the Dolphins are now immersed in draft meetings, tape evaluation and attending Pro Days.
    — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of immerse

Browse Nearby Words

intricateness
intrigue
intrigued
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of intrigue for Spanish Speakers

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