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
Example Sentences
NounRolston's work channels the vampish intrigue of vintage Hollywood with a sense of irony and wit that makes the work truly modern. Stephanie Sung, Picture, September/October 2008In this, as in any other enterprise where there is the promise of money, intrigues and lies and hoodwinking and bullying abound. Alice Munro, "Hard-Luck Stories,"in In the Stacks, 2002The story began to take on a warm, attractive glow as a Highland romantic epic of heroism and villainy, of intrigue and bravery, complete with comely maidens such as Flora MacDonald and handsome heroes such as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. Arthur Herman, How the Scots Invented the Modern World, 2001 a novel of intrigue and romance an administration characterized by intrigue and corruption VerbOne day during math study period, after I'd finished my regular assignment, I took out a fresh sheet of paper and tried to solve a problem that had intrigued me: whether the first player in a game of ticktacktoe can always win, given the right strategy. Martin Gardner, Scientific American, August 1998Bundy was also a man whose thinking in foreign affairs was extremely conventional … but who in the area of domestic policy was curiously more open-minded and unconventional, so that throughout the Kennedy years, friends would be intrigued by the difference in Bundy. David Halberstam, Harper's, July 1969 evidence that the leading manufacturers had intrigued to keep prices artificially high the mystery story intrigued me so that I read it in one sitting See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Clueless Jeff is here for comic relief and social intrigue, but his presence also lets Harron and screenwriter John C. Walsh shed light on the Dalís’ creative/commercial partnership. John Defore, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Sep. 2022 But that doesn’t mean the race will be without intrigue, as Woodridge, Kenston, Hawken and Bay all have garnered significant points in the state coaches poll. Joe Magill, cleveland, 15 Sep. 2022 There’s none of the bombastic glitz or cringe-inducing sincerity or behind-the-scenes palace intrigue of the Oscars, nor the boozy silliness and baffling nominations of the Golden Globes. Liam Hess, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2022 My Policeman went off without any intrigue or controversy. Tatiana Siegel, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2022 Auburn provided more intrigue surrounding its quarterback position ahead of its matchup with San Jose State. Tom Green | Tgreen@al.com, al, 10 Sep. 2022 His checkmate came after months of offscreen intrigue surrounding the mid-century thriller, which reached a fever pitch over the week ahead of its debut in Venice. Nardine Saad, Los Angeles Times, 8 Sep. 2022 The surprise of the celebrity reveals tends to fade quickly, with more intrigue directed toward the contestants themselves. Sonia Rao, Washington Post, 7 Sep. 2022 The now two-way primary for attorney general may stand alone in injecting intrigue into the cycle. Matt Stout, BostonGlobe.com, 1 Sep. 2022
Verb
There, Lucy meets Stephen—who seems to intrigue and alienate her in equal measure—as well as Diana, whom Lucy doesn’t yet know is Stephen’s on-again, off-again ex-girlfriend. Keely Weiss, ELLE, 7 Sep. 2022 No, not the center the Hornets necessarily need, but his 7-2 wingspan and 9-foot standing reach could intrigue. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 21 June 2022 His devotion to his artistic vision at all costs—his quest for creative paradise—has continued to intrigue us well into the 21st century. Ella Fox-martens, The Atlantic, 3 Sep. 2022 There’s always intrigue behind what happens when their understanding finally catches up to their natural talent. Stephen Means, cleveland, 13 May 2022 Odor, a free agent after this season, is hitting just .200, but left-handed hitters with power (10 home runs, 37 RBIs) could still intrigue a buyer. Andy Kostka, Baltimore Sun, 29 July 2022 What has continued to intrigue you about exploring that process? Dan Snierson, EW.com, 11 May 2022 If the bottle itself doesn’t intrigue you, what’s hidden inside certainly should. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 10 May 2022 Skincare and makeup prep intrigue me more, but coming to a consensus about their worthiness is even harder, given that no one’s skin reacts the same to each product.ELLE, 18 Apr. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
French intricate affair, from Italian intrigo, from intrigare to entangle, from Latin intricare — see intricate