cabal
/kəˈbæl/
NOUN
1. Secretive group pursuing a shared agenda
A small, closely connected group of people who secretly cooperate to achieve political, social, or organizational objectives, often involving manipulation, intrigue, or the exercise of influence.
1.1. Political conspiracies and secret influence
Used to describe a secret group of political figures or influential individuals who coordinate plans to gain power, manipulate government decisions, or influence political affairs behind the scenes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- coalition
- alliance
Examples
- The political cabal orchestrated a clandestine plan to seize control of the government.
- Journalists uncovered a secret cabal working behind the scenes to shape public opinion.
Related Words
- plot
- intrigue
- collusion
- confederacy
- connivance
- machination
- faction
- caucus
- lobby
- oligarchy
- power
- influence
1.2. Exclusive social and organizational groups
Used to describe a small, tightly knit circle of influential or privileged people who share interests, protect their own members, and sometimes exercise control over decisions within an organization or social community.
Synonyms
- clique
- coterie
- circle
- club
- set
- crew
- inner circle
Antonyms
- outsiders
- general public
Examples
- The elite social cabal hosted exclusive gatherings to discuss their shared interests and influence.
- Rumors circulated about a mysterious cabal within the organization plotting against the CEO.
Related Words
- insiders
- elite
- membership
- network
- social circle
- faction
- conclave
- partnership
- collective
1.3. Criminal organizations and secret networks
Used to describe an organized group involved in illicit activities, secret dealings, or coordinated schemes, particularly when its members operate discreetly to protect their interests.
Synonyms
Examples
- The investigators discovered a powerful cabal controlling several illegal businesses.
- The criminal cabal operated through an extensive network of secret connections.
Related Words
- underworld
- criminal network
- racketeering
- organized crime
- mafioso
- cosa nostra
- collusion
NOUN
2. Secret plot or scheme
A secret plan or coordinated scheme devised by a group of people, usually to achieve an improper or deceptive objective.
2.1. Secret plotting and coordinated schemes
Used to describe a concealed plan involving collusion, manipulation, or deliberate actions intended to influence events or achieve an objective without the knowledge of others.
Synonyms
- conspiracy
- plot
- scheme
- intrigue
- machination
- collusion
- counterplot
Antonyms
- openness
- transparency
- disclosure
Examples
- The business cabal conspired to manipulate market prices for their own gain.
- The investigation exposed a secret cabal designed to undermine the company's leadership.
Related Words
- connivance
- subterfuge
- stratagem
- deception
- contrivance
- ruse
- ploy
- cover-up
- manipulation
- skulduggery
VERB
3. Participating in secret group activities
To engage in secretive collaboration or participate in the activities of a cabal, particularly when plotting or conspiring with others.
3.1. Conspiring and plotting with others
Used to describe secretly collaborating with other people to devise plans, coordinate actions, or pursue concealed objectives.
Synonyms
- conspire
- plot
- scheme
- intrigue
- collude
Examples
- The officials caballed behind closed doors to influence the outcome of the election.
- Several powerful individuals caballed together to undermine their political rivals.
Related Words
- connive
- collaboration
- machination
- secret dealings
- deception
- conspiracy