cabals
/kəˈbælz/
NOUN
1. Secretive groups pursuing political or organizational objectives
Small, secretive groups of individuals who work together to pursue political, organizational, or personal objectives, often through concealed influence, manipulation, or conspiratorial activities.
1.1. Political conspiracies and secret influence
Used to describe covert groups of political figures or influential individuals who coordinate secretly to gain power, manipulate government decisions, or advance their political agendas.
Synonyms
- juntas
- cliques
- coteries
- camarillas
- conspiracies
- rings
- factions
Antonyms
- coalitions
- alliances
Examples
- In the political arena, ambitious politicians formed covert cabals to advance their agendas.
- Conspiracy theorists speculated about shadowy cabals manipulating global affairs from the shadows.
- The secretive cabals attempted to influence government policies without public knowledge.
Related Words
- machinations
- intrigues
- collusions
- confederacies
- connivances
- conspirations
- counterplots
- cover-ups
- deceptions
- manipulations
- schemes
- subterfuge
- stratagems
1.2. Criminal organizations and secret networks
Used to describe clandestine groups involved in organized crime, illegal activities, or secret dealings, particularly those seeking to control businesses, territories, or illicit operations.
Synonyms
Examples
- The city's underworld was teeming with mysterious cabals vying for control.
- Investigators uncovered several criminal cabals operating across international borders.
Related Words
- racketeering
- underworld
- criminal networks
- organized crime
- collusion
- conspiracy
- criminal enterprises
- criminal syndicates
1.3. Exclusive social and influential groups
Used to describe small, closely connected circles of people who share interests, maintain exclusive membership, or exercise influence within a particular social or organizational environment.
Synonyms
- cliques
- circles
- coteries
- clubs
- crews
- sets
- networks
- groups
Antonyms
- outsiders
- general public
Examples
- The historical novel unveiled the secret societies and powerful cabals shaping the course of events.
- Several influential cabals competed for recognition within the exclusive social organization.
Related Words
1.4. Mystical and secret societies
Used to describe secretive groups associated with esoteric traditions, hidden knowledge, mystical practices, or the preservation of supposedly ancient teachings.
Synonyms
- covens
- circles
- cliques
- coteries
Examples
- Tales of ancient mystical cabals guarding hidden knowledge fascinated the curious explorer.
- The mysterious cabals were rumored to preserve ancient rituals and esoteric teachings.
Related Words
- mysticism
- occultism
- esotericism
- secret societies
- rituals
- arcane knowledge
- conclaves
- initiates
NOUN
2. Secret plots and conspiratorial schemes
Secret plans or coordinated schemes devised by individuals or groups to achieve concealed objectives, often involving deception, manipulation, or intrigue.
2.1. Conspiracies and covert schemes
Used to describe secret plans involving coordinated deception, manipulation, or clandestine actions intended to influence events or achieve an objective without others knowing.
Synonyms
- conspiracies
- plots
- schemes
- intrigues
- machinations
- stratagems
- counterplots
Antonyms
- transparency
- openness
- disclosure
Examples
- The investigation exposed several secret cabals designed to undermine the company's leadership.
- The historical records revealed political cabals that had influenced the succession of power.
- The rival factions were involved in elaborate cabals to weaken their opponents.
Related Words
- collusions
- connivances
- chicanery
- subterfuge
- deception
- double-dealing
- cover-ups
- manipulations
- trickery
- skullduggery
- fraud
- ruses
VERB
3. Engages in secretive group activities
Participates in the activities of a cabal by secretly cooperating with others, particularly in plotting, conspiring, or pursuing concealed objectives.
3.1. Conspiring and plotting with others
Used to describe a person secretly collaborating with others to devise schemes, manipulate situations, or advance hidden objectives, often for political or personal advantage.
Synonyms
- conspires
- plots
- schemes
- colludes
- connives
- intrigues
Examples
- The officials cabal behind closed doors to influence the outcome of the election.
- The influential members cabal secretly to protect their shared interests.
Related Words
- machinates
- manipulates
- orchestrates
- deceives
- conspires
- collusion
- machination
- subterfuge
- intrigue