cabal 1 of 2

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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cabal

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

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

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 cabal
Noun
But, in the latter half of the 20th century, a shadowy cabal of high-flying financiers and elite manufacturers moved those jobs abroad, in search of lower wages and bigger profits. Made By History, Time, 21 Apr. 2025 This young, attractive cabal that all seem so out of place in a show that normally does a really good job at making survivors look like survivors, not the cast of a CW show. Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Verb
Nothing was more to be desired than that every practicable obstacle should be opposed to cabal, intrigue, and corruption. Martin Finucane, BostonGlobe.com, 14 June 2019 Powell is drawing encouragement from the significant losses of candidates who, like Burton, are backed by the Empower Texans cabal attempting to take control of the Texas Legislature. Richard Greene, star-telegram, 24 May 2018 See All Example Sentences for cabal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cabal
Noun
  • Despite being outnumbered fifty-to-one by the Five Families of the Italian Mafia, the Westies’ legendary brutality and cunning have given them the leverage necessary to share the spoils through a fragile détente.
    Joe Otterson, Variety, 28 May 2025
  • He’s collaborated with other dance heavyweights, including Swedish House Mafia, Calvin Harris and Armand van Helden.
    Xander Zellner, Billboard, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • Aaron Judge clubbed four hits on the day to bring his batting average back up to .409 as the Yankees tormented former teammate Luis Severino (1-4), who was tagged for nine hits and eight runs in his first-ever start against his ex-club.
    David Matthews, New York Daily News, 11 May 2025
  • The bear clubbed him, rattled his dome, hit his wristwatch, and then straddled him.
    Benjamin Alva Polley, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2025
Noun
  • Every Dawson's Creek fan remembers when most of the gang spent spring break at Aunt Gwen's (Julie Bowen) mountainside home, a.k.a.
    Breanne L. Heldman, EW.com, 24 May 2025
  • An undercover recording obtained of an MS-13 meeting that took place six weeks after the murder captured one MS-13 member acknowledging his participation in the murder, and other gang members disciplining him for leaving Massachusetts after the murder without the gang’s permission.
    Rick Sobey, Boston Herald, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • The league’s economic growth, the rise of several first-rate training facilities and a general sense that MLS is highly organized are all objectives that leagues around the world covet.
    Felipe Cardenas, New York Times, 30 Apr. 2025
  • His offensive numbers were closer to league average from 2021 to 2023.
    Chad Jennings, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Henley was indicted in March on federal charges of fraud, robbery, extortion and running a racketeering conspiracy.
    Colleen Shalby, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • Related Stories Cannes 2025 Palme d’Or Contenders Ranked: Who Will Win the Top Prize? ‘The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo’ Wins Un Certain Regard Prize at Cannes 2025 Honey is drawn into a conspiracy of sorts when a woman who reached out to her for help ends up dead at the bottom of a cliff.
    Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Paul has recently collaborated with Voight on several movies, including Man with No Past, High Ground, and The Last Gunfight, and has several new titles now in development or production.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 20 May 2025
  • Britain agreed the most significant reset of ties with the European Union since Brexit on Monday, removing some trade barriers and collaborating on defence to help grow its economy and boost security on the continent.
    Kate Holton, USA Today, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Other legal concerns include the regulation of sales across state lines when each state controls its own lottery games, sales to underage players, ticket buying syndicates and other issues.
    Michelle Watson, CNN Money, 24 May 2025
  • The high-interest rate environment has encouraged many investors to flock to high-yield savings accounts and newer investment alternatives, such as real estate syndicate funds.
    Elaine Pofeldt, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • At the start of the Syrian civil war, al-Shara led the Nusra Front, which was a direct affiliate of al-Qaida and was initially allied with former ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
  • Qatar has supported the Houthis for years and allied itself with Iran.
    The Editors, National Review, 13 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cabal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cabal. Accessed 1 Jun. 2025.

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