Synonyms of conspiracy

conspiracy

noun

kən-ˈspir-ə-sē 

1

as in Mafia

a group involved in secret or criminal activities

members of the conspiracy recognized each other by a secret handshake

Synonyms & Similar Words

• Mafia
• gang
• syndicate
• network
• cabal
• crew
• mob
• ring
• clan
• clique
• coven
• bunch
• crowd
• circle
• coterie
• pack
• lot
• oligarchy
• junta
• set
• galère

2

as in complicity

a secret agreement or cooperation between two parties for an illegal or dishonest purpose

a conspiracy among the leading manufacturers to fix prices

Synonyms & Similar Words

• complicity
• collusion
• connivance
• intrigue
• scheme
• skullduggery
• plot
• chicanery
• skulduggery
• duplicity
• setup
• foul play
• cover-up
• double-dealing
• conspiration
• frame-up

3

as in scheme

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

several generals were engaged in a conspiracy to overthrow the government

Synonyms & Similar Words

• scheme
• plot
• intrigue
• machination
• strategy
• design
• subterfuge
• manipulation
• maneuver
• trickery
• cabal
• collusion
• stratagem
• frame-up
• counterplot
• cover-up
• complicity
• confederacy
• racket
• counterconspiracy
• system
• program
• contrivance
• connivance
• conspiration
• dodge
• draft
• conniving
• ground plan
• ring
• trick
• gimmick
• artifice
• game

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun conspiracy differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of conspiracy are cabal, intrigue, machination, and plot. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When would cabal be a good substitute for conspiracy?

The synonyms cabal and conspiracy are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

When might intrigue be a better fit than conspiracy?

While the synonyms intrigue and conspiracy 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 conspiracy?

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

the machinations of a party boss

When is it sensible to use plot instead of conspiracy?

While in some cases nearly identical to conspiracy, plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of conspiracy

She was sentenced to six years and five months in prison for conspiracy to commit a crime, drug trafficking, manufacturing, or possession of narcotics. —Nathaly Triana, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025

Victoria Goodwin was arrested Thursday, according to online inmate records from Nevada’s Clark County, and arraigned on charges of solicitation of murder and conspiracy murder. —Christie D’zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2025

The conversation then veered into another favorite topic in conspiracy circles: the JFK assassination. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 9 Mar. 2025

Ramos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to encourage and induce, bring in, transport, and harbor aliens on Oct. 4, 2024. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2025