Machiavellianism
noun
Ma·chi·a·vel·lian·ism
ˌma-kē-ə-ˈve-lē-ə-ˌni-zəm 
-ˈvel-yə-ˌni-zəm
: the political theory of Machiavelli
especially
: the view that politics is amoral and that any means however unscrupulous can justifiably be used in achieving political power
Examples of Machiavellianism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Toxic traits involve self-centeredness (narcissism), manipulation and exploitation of others (Machiavellianism) and a lack of empathy or remorse (psychopathy).
—
Jason Walker, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Next is Machiavellianism, a personality trait that drives people’s willingness and ability to be manipulative and ruthless in the pursuit of power.
—Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
At times, Capricorn’s energy can have an undertone of Machiavellianism.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
Dark personality traits include psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The researchers noted the triad includes three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.2
People with all three traits often disregard others and lack compassion and empathy.
—Stephanie Booth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
Conversely, men score higher than women on dark side personality traits, such narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and aggression (especially unprovoked), which account for much of the toxic and destructive behaviors displayed by powerful leaders - usually male - who derail.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Even the leaders who are humanitarian have to have some Machiavellianism.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2023
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.
Jason Walker, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Next is Machiavellianism, a personality trait that drives people’s willingness and ability to be manipulative and ruthless in the pursuit of power.
—Gautam Mukunda, Forbes, 16 Sep. 2024
At times, Capricorn’s energy can have an undertone of Machiavellianism.
—Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 12 Aug. 2024
Dark personality traits include psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism.
—Big Think, 24 June 2024
The researchers noted the triad includes three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.2
People with all three traits often disregard others and lack compassion and empathy.
—Stephanie Booth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024
Conversely, men score higher than women on dark side personality traits, such narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and aggression (especially unprovoked), which account for much of the toxic and destructive behaviors displayed by powerful leaders - usually male - who derail.
—Tomas Chamorro-Premuzic, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Even the leaders who are humanitarian have to have some Machiavellianism.
—CBS News, 29 Mar. 2023
Dictionary Entries Near Machiavellianism
Cite this Entry
“Machiavellianism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Machiavellianism. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share