cabal
Shadowy political faction
A cabal is a small group of people secretly plotting together, usually to gain power or influence.
The word carries sinister overtones—cabals scheme behind closed doors, advance hidden agendas, and manipulate events: a cabal of generals plotting a coup, The decision was made by a cabal of insiders.
Cabal can also mean the plot itself.
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- collusionFraudulent secret cooperation
- plotStoryline or land parcel
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
subterfuge · treachery · betrayal · manipulation · deception · connivance · sedition · coup
Exclusive social group
- coterieExclusive social circle
- juntaPost-coup ruling clique
- cadreCore of trained personnel
- camarillaSecret advisory clique
cell · ring · syndicate · bloc · sect · brotherhood · network · enclave
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- cloak-and-daggerInvolving secret intrigue
shadowy · veiled · hidden · underground · undercover · classified · confidential · hush-hush
Power to affect others
- controlAuthority to direct
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
grip · hegemony · sway · clout · pull · authority · ascendancy · string-pulling
scheme
Calculated strategy, often secretive
- intrigueSecret plotting or fascination
- collusionFraudulent secret cooperation
- plotStoryline or land parcel
machination · subterfuge · treachery · betrayal · manipulation · deception · connivance · sedition · coup · insurrection
clique
Exclusive social group
camarilla · cell · ring · syndicate · bloc · sect · brotherhood · network · enclave · in-group
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- furtiveSecretive and sly
cloak-and-dagger · shadowy · veiled · hidden · underground · undercover · classified · confidential · hush-hush · back-channel
influence
Power to affect others
- controlAuthority to direct
- dominanceSuperior influence over others
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
leverage · grip · hegemony · sway · clout · pull · authority · ascendancy · string-pulling · entrenchment
- groupsteam, teams, group, club, clubs
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- Fictional Groupsguild, brotherhood, order, legion, league
- cliquesclique, in-crowd, in-group, inner circle, cool kids
- Conspiraciesconspiracy, deep state, new world order, chemtrails, flat earth
- court intrigueintrigue, plots, schemes, plotting, conspiracy
cabalpublic forum
Space for collective discourse
open meeting · town hall · open session · public body · open government
cabalthe masses
Common populace collectively
general public · mass movement · grassroots organization · populace · electorate