machinations

USAGE SUMMARY

'machinations' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It has the same meaning as "plotting, scheming, and manipulating, usually in a crafty or deceitful manner." For example: "The politician's machinations were too complicated for the public to understand or follow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In 1494 the political machinations of Ludovico Sforza played a part in causing a French invasion of Italy that turned priorities upside down.

The Guardian - Arts

He comes across as this romantic balladeer, and you can't imagine him knowing about the machinations of the record company or how to place a song with an artist, but he's obviously very savvy.

The Guardian - Music

Like Goodsell he is committed to bringing as much rigour and scientific detail as possible to his depictions of the machinations of life.

The Guardian

In itself that represented little surprise: buck-passing and poor leadership, if not a lack of it altogether, has been glaring over a summer in which Rangers' demise triggered schisms and machinations.

The Guardian - Sport

They lay bare at least some of Washington's "cynical" and "unscrupulous" diplomatic machinations (although the state department's "front office" mischief is mild compared to the "back room" operations of the CIA and other covert forces).

The Guardian - Opinion

This week, Wootton was granted a Mayfair sit-down with triumphantly returning judges Simon Cowell and Cheryl Cole, and was so intent on relaying the machinations of this secretive powerbase that he penned a first-person thinkpiece on the matter, almost as though he'd been allowed to sit in on the Yalta conference and felt moved to offer the first draft of history for posterity.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Recent months have seen a wave of stories about Apple's supposed backroom machinations with music labels, encouraging them to clamp down on Spotify's free, unlimited streaming service – which in turn would boost the prospects for Apple's upcoming relaunch of its Beats Music.

The Guardian - Tech

"Judged against the many other recent docus that also critique the machinations of modern capitalism, Michael Winterbottom and Mat Whitecross's [film] looks eminently sober, polished and persuasive," it said.

The Guardian - Film

And learn we must, if Los Angeles's notoriously fragile ecology is not to be driven one step closer toward cataclysm by our heroines' reckless machinations.

The Guardian

Indeed, the restrictions on what we can say which are imposed by our employers feel far more real and immediate to most of us than the distant, abstract machinations of government.

The Guardian - Opinion

IF YOU think the political machinations of the past few weeks have been arcane and partisan, prepare for more of the same next year.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "machinations" to add a layer of complexity and intrigue to your writing, especially when describing political or corporate power plays.

Common error

Avoid using "machinations" to describe straightforward actions or plans. The word implies a level of complexity and deceit that might be inappropriate in simpler contexts.

Linguistic Context

"Machinations" primarily functions as a noun, referring to complex and often secret plans or schemes designed to achieve a particular goal, usually with a negative connotation. Ludwig indicates its use in describing political and corporate power plays.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "machinations" denotes intricate and often deceitful schemes. As verified by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and commonly used in formal contexts like news and business to describe complex strategic maneuvering. Related terms include "schemes" and "intrigues", offering nuanced alternatives. When using "machinations", ensure the context reflects a level of complexity and potential deception. The term functions primarily as a noun, serving to reveal or describe underhanded strategies, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. While versatile, avoid applying it to simple, straightforward actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

schemes

Refers to plans or projects, especially those of a secret or underhanded nature. It's a more general term but shares the negative connotation.

intrigues

Focuses on secret planning, often political or romantic, and can imply a sense of mystery or excitement that "machinations" doesn't always carry.

plots

Suggests a secret plan to accomplish a specific, often nefarious, goal. It's a more direct and less abstract term.

conspiracies

Implies a secret agreement between multiple people to perform an unlawful or harmful act. It highlights the collaborative aspect of the planning.

stratagems

Emphasizes clever, often military-like, strategies designed to outwit an opponent. It's more focused on tactical planning.

cabal

Implies a secret political clique or faction. The emphasis is on a small group of individuals conspiring together.

plotting

It describes the action of making secret plans. It's a more active and less descriptive term than "machinations".

maneuvering

Suggests skillful and often strategic actions to gain an advantage. It can be less negative than "machinations".

devious schemes

Highlights the deceitful and underhanded nature of the plans. It's more explicit in its condemnation.

underhanded tactics

Focuses on unfair and dishonest methods used to achieve an aim. It's less about the planning and more about the execution.

FAQs

How can I use "machinations" in a sentence?

You can use "machinations" to describe complex and often secretive plots or schemes, like: "The politician's "machinations" were designed to undermine his opponent."

What are some synonyms for "machinations"?

Alternatives to "machinations" include "schemes", "intrigues", and "plots", each carrying slightly different connotations.

What distinguishes "machinations" from "plans"?

"Machinations" implies a level of cunning, complexity, and often deceit that isn't necessarily present in simple "plans". It suggests hidden motives and intricate strategies.

Is it appropriate to use "machinations" in formal writing?

Yes, "machinations" is suitable for formal writing, especially when discussing politics, business, or historical events involving strategic maneuvering and potential deception.