machinating
Crafting devious plans
Machinating is scheming or plotting, typically something underhanded or harmful.
The word suggests cunning deliberation—working behind the scenes to bring about some outcome: While publicly supporting the CEO, board members were machinating his removal.
The related noun machinations refers to the schemes themselves.
Crafty and calculating
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- deviousUnderhanded and calculating
- slyCleverly deceptive
- craftyCleverly deceptive
wily · guileful · calculating · conniving · artful · shrewd · insidious · foxy
Devising a secret plan
- planningArranging for future events
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
- foresightAbility to anticipate futures
chess-like · calculated · orchestrating · masterminding · positioning · outmaneuvering · counterplot · gambits
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- cabalScheming political faction
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- betrayalBreaking of trust
- double-dealingDeceptive practice of betrayal
backstabbing · collusion · deception · power-play · double-cross · treason · sedition · coup
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
- hiddenKept out of sight
undercover · subterfuge · infiltration · shadowy · cloak-and-dagger · surveillance · espionage · incognito
scheming
Crafty and calculating
crafty · wily · guileful · calculating · conniving · artful · shrewd · insidious · foxy · cagey
plotting
Devising a secret plan
- planningArranging for future events
- maneuveringSkillful directional control
- tacticsMethods to achieve goals
foresight · chess-like · calculated · orchestrating · masterminding · positioning · outmaneuvering · counterplot · gambits · stratagem
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
double-dealing · backstabbing · collusion · deception · power-play · double-cross · treason · sedition · coup · usurpation
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- secretiveInclined to conceal
- stealthySecretly cautious in movement
hidden · undercover · subterfuge · infiltration · shadowy · cloak-and-dagger · surveillance · espionage · incognito · encrypted
machinatingsupporting
Bearing or sustaining
cooperating · assisting · nurturing · collaborating · helping