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intrigue 1 of 2

Definition of intriguenext

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
McKee, the Eagles’ third-year backup quarterback, has been a subject of intrigue in Philadelphia throughout his Eagles career. The Athletic Nfl Staff, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026 Vintage and thrifted decor can bring intrigue and uniqueness to a bathroom’s design. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
His ability to align all over the offense has NFL scouts intrigued. Dane Brugler, New York Times, 1 Jan. 2026 Our guide to the best upcoming sci-fi movies in 2026 features a blockbuster mix of popular franchises, intriguing one-offs, and one of the greatest directors of all time heading back to alien visitation territory. Richard Edwards, Space.com, 31 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for intrigue
Recent Examples of Synonyms for intrigue
Noun
  • In the show, Lower, 40, plays Helly Riggs/Helena Eagan, who tries to uncover the company's web of conspiracies with her coworkers.
    Liza Esquibias, PEOPLE, 12 Jan. 2026
  • In their charging documents, prosecutors allege Maduro, his wife and his son, Nicolás Maduro Guerra, engaged in a cocaine-trafficking conspiracy and partnered with cartels designated as terrorist groups.
    Richard Johnson, New York Daily News, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Bea incredulously finds out that Christy has been involved in a treasure hunt for years now, believing that there is a million dollars hidden somewhere in the state, planning and plotting her methods of finding it, and Christy is finally setting her plan in motion.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Jan. 2026
  • But moderate House Republicans are plotting potential compromise measures with moderates in the Senate.
    Emily Brooks, The Hill, 4 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The one who interests me most is midfielder Ruben Neves.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026
  • Check for special events and workshops that might interest your guests and transform a museum visit into a more engaging experience.
    Bill Bootz, Charlotte Observer, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • Sammis runs a pro-style scheme that prioritizes a strong run game and being efficient with the passing attack.
    Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Jan. 2026
  • Williamson, Newsom’s former chief of staff, pleaded not guilty in November in a scheme to enrich her friend Sean McCluskie, a longtime deputy to former Attorney General Xavier Becerra, using money funneled from one of Becerra’s dormant campaign accounts.
    Nicole Nixon, Sacbee.com, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Details of the service were kept private, but the family's public show of solidarity in turning out to support Caroline is typical of the Kennedy dynasty, which has fascinated Americans for decades.
    Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Why does Kubrick’s work continue to fascinate, thrill, and move us?
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 31 Dec. 2025
Verb
  • The final part of the dormancy evolution puzzle is what ecologists refer to as the ecological niche a species occupies — the specific set of conditions that species evolved to exploit or the conditions under which that species is likely to be more successful when compared to other species.
    Paul Cappiello, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Inside, authorities found fresh groceries, animals, and other signs that people are actively occupying some of the units.
    Nina Burns, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The couple immersed themselves in his philosophies, maintaining correspondence with the controversial leader.
    Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Freed from the cadence of earnings calls, Molinaroli has immersed himself in the machinery of talent production.
    William Jones, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intrigue. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on intrigue

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