is conspiratorial

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is conspiratorial" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has the characteristics of a conspiracy or suggests a secretive or deceptive nature. Example: "His tone during the meeting was conspiratorial, making everyone wonder what he was really thinking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

The first is conspiratorial.

The Economist

Their relationship is conspiratorial, playful in a sense, but allowing in no other players.

The Guardian - Books

His view of the world is conspiratorial, and shaped by a long career in the KGB".

The Guardian

His tone is conspiratorial and, therefore, inclusive — which may help explain the fact that the city's five county Republican chairmen managed to emerge from a closed-door meeting with Bloomberg, in late February, convinced that he had voted for John McCain.

The New Yorker

The tone of the Louboutin Times, a monthly newsletter, is conspiratorial: a guide to becoming the perfect guest advises, "If your host is tacky (what fun!): hunt down the requirements for a full-on 'foam party'; a reminder of his/her days in Ibiza".

The New Yorker

It is conspiratorial utilitarianism" (Luban 1996, 167).

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Behaviour that was conspiratorial and possibly criminal.

The Guardian - Business

It's conspiratorial, joyous, revelatory, honest, hilarious and sometimes very, very naughty.

The Guardian

There were conspiratorial versions of the claim, too — theories about the secret power of the Trilateral Commission or the Bilderberg Group.

The New Yorker

The tone was conspiratorial, not confrontational: Eminem figured that his listeners were having as much fun as he was.

The New Yorker

Mr Davis tends to be conspiratorial and anti-American, though he presents little to support his view.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is conspiratorial", ensure the context clearly supports the suggestion of a hidden or secretive plot to avoid misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "is conspiratorial" in situations where simple disagreement or skepticism is present, as it can unnecessarily escalate the tone and misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is conspiratorial" functions as a predicative adjective, describing a subject's characteristic or quality. As Ludwig AI shows, it suggests that something, someone's behavior, or a particular viewpoint embodies the attributes of a conspiracy, indicating secrecy, hidden motives, or a belief in a clandestine plot.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is conspiratorial" functions as a predicative adjective used to describe something or someone as embodying characteristics of a conspiracy. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and conveys a sense of suspicion, secrecy, or hidden motives. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, its usage suggests a neutral to formal tone. Alternatives like "suggests a conspiracy" or "implies a secret plot" can be used to vary expression while retaining a similar meaning. When using this phrase, it's important to consider potential overtones and choose contexts wisely.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suggests a conspiracy

Replaces the adjective with a verb phrase, focusing on the implication of a conspiracy.

implies a secret plot

Highlights the element of secrecy and planning inherent in conspiracies.

has a conspiratorial air

Emphasizes the atmosphere or feeling associated with conspiracy.

exhibits conspiratorial tendencies

Focuses on the behavioral aspects and predisposition towards conspiratorial thinking.

smacks of conspiracy

Uses an informal idiom to convey a sense of hidden motives.

evinces a conspiratorial outlook

Highlights the underlying worldview that supports conspiratorial beliefs.

betrays a conspiratorial mindset

Emphasizes the mental framework driving the belief in conspiracies.

points to hidden agendas

Shifts the focus to the perceived concealed objectives.

raises suspicions of collusion

Specifically suggests secret cooperation for illicit purposes.

indicates a clandestine scheme

Underscores the covert and organized nature of a conspiracy.

FAQs

How can I use "is conspiratorial" in a sentence?

You can use "is conspiratorial" to describe behavior, tones, or viewpoints that suggest a belief in or involvement with secret plots. For example, "His silence on the matter is conspiratorial."

What can I say instead of "is conspiratorial"?

You can use alternatives like "suggests a conspiracy", "implies a secret plot", or "has a conspiratorial air" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "is conspiratorial" or "is conspirative"?

"Is conspiratorial" is the more commonly used and accepted phrase. "Is conspirative" is less frequent, though technically a synonym, and may sound awkward to some listeners.

What's the difference between "is skeptical" and "is conspiratorial"?

"Is skeptical" indicates doubt or questioning, while "is conspiratorial" implies a belief in a secret, often malevolent, plot. Skepticism is a general attitude of questioning, whereas conspiratorial thinking involves specific theories about hidden agendas.