CABAL Synonyms: 69 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'cabal' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cabal are conspiracy , intrigue , machination , and plot . While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence. // a cabal among powerful senators

Q: Where would 'conspiracy' be a reasonable alternative to 'cabal'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cabal , conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery. // a conspiracy to fix prices

Q: When could 'intrigue' be used to replace 'cabal'?

While the synonyms intrigue and cabal are close in meaning, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. // backstairs intrigue

Q: In what contexts can 'machination' take the place of 'cabal'?

In some situations, the words machination and cabal are roughly equivalent. However, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. // the machinations of a party boss

Q: When is 'plot' a more appropriate choice than 'cabal'?

The synonyms plot and cabal are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. // an assassination plot

cabal 1 of 2

noun

kə-ˈbäl

Definition of cabal next

as in Mafia

a group involved in secret or criminal activities a conspiracy theory about the existence of an international cabal devoted to world domination

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cabal

2 of 2

verb

as in to club

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How does the noun cabal differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of cabal are conspiracy, intrigue, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

Where would conspiracy be a reasonable alternative to cabal?

While in some cases nearly identical to cabal, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When could intrigue be used to replace cabal?

While the synonyms intrigue and cabal are close in meaning, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

In what contexts can machination take the place of cabal?

In some situations, the words machination and cabal are roughly equivalent. However, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

When is plot a more appropriate choice than cabal?

The synonyms plot and cabal are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Examples Sentences

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Recent Examples of cabal

Noun

The lawsuits generally describe their goal as the protection of free speech and open debate online, and present X as the innocent target of one cabal or another. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 12 Aug. 2024 Rumor suggests there was friction when a notorious scam artist and his cabal of armed ex-combatants showed up in Tonu almost two decades ago. —

Sean Williams, Harper's Magazine, 23 Sep. 2024 Still, his most convincing point is that Agatha’s plan to physically outrun an almighty cabal of witches without any powers of her own is the kind of stupid move that usually ends up in a stupid death. —

Caroline Framke, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2024 And in both countries, conspiracy theories—notably QAnon, the now infamous movement that imagines Trump to be rescuing the world from a secret cabal of pedophiles—and the vilification of mainstream media and political elites played an extraordinary role in stoking the violence. —

Cynthia Miller-Idriss, Foreign Affairs, 3 Feb. 2021 See all Example Sentences for cabal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabal

Noun

The film, based on a true story, follows the fictional rise of a Mexican Mafia leader (played by Olmos) and the harsh life in and out of prison.

Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Dec. 2024
Morrone plays Massimo Torricelli in the Netflix Italian movie 365 Days, a member of the Sicilian Mafia family.

Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 17 Dec. 2024