camarilla
Secret court faction
A camarilla is a small group of scheming advisers, especially those who influence a leader through backroom manipulation rather than official channels.
The word suggests secrecy and self-interest: The king's camarilla controlled access to the throne.
It carries more sinister overtones than simply "inner circle"—implying plots, favoritism, and hidden agendas.
Scheming political faction
- juntaPost-coup ruling clique
- factionGroup within group
- coterieExclusive social circle
- cellBasic unit of life
sect · conclave · syndicate · conspirators · plotters · schemers · colluders · confederates
Rule by hereditary elite
- courtiersRoyal court members
- advisersPeople giving expert counsel
- favoritesMost preferred choices
- oligarchyRule by few
privileged · nobility · grandees · magnates · kingmakers · confidants · retinue · entourage
Skillful directional control
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
plotting · intrigue · lobbying · string-pulling · backstabbing · double-dealing · skulduggery · politicking
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
- backstairsCovert or underhanded
hidden · veiled · cloak-and-dagger · stealthy · discreet · hush-hush · confidential · privy
cabal
Scheming political faction
cell · sect · conclave · syndicate · conspirators · plotters · schemers · colluders · confederates · junto
aristocracy
Rule by hereditary elite
oligarchy · privileged · nobility · grandees · magnates · kingmakers · confidants · retinue · entourage · hangers-on
maneuvering
Skillful directional control
- schemingCrafty and calculating
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- subterfugeDeliberate deception to conceal
manipulation · plotting · intrigue · lobbying · string-pulling · backstabbing · double-dealing · skulduggery · politicking · horse-trading
clandestine
Concealed from authorities
- covertIntentionally concealed
- furtiveSecretive and sly
- surreptitiousDone secretly, avoiding detection
backstairs · hidden · veiled · cloak-and-dagger · stealthy · discreet · hush-hush · confidential · privy · exclusive
camarillaopen government
Right to state information
public assembly · open forum · town hall · open session · public hearing
camarillaparliament
National legislative assembly
legislature · general assembly · representative body · the public · broad coalition