Machiavellian
adjective
Being sneaky, cunning and unprincipled, especially in politics or advancing one's career.
The politician's machiavellian tactics helped him rise to the top, but also made him many enemies.
Often appears as...
- machiavellian tactics
- machiavellian scheme
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A person who uses deceit and manipulation to advance their own interests, especially in politics or in advancing their career.
He is a true Machiavellian - he will do anything to achieve his goals, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
Often appears as...
- a true machiavellian
- act like a machiavellian
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
adjective
Being sneaky, cunning and unprincipled, especially in politics or advancing one's career.
The politician's machiavellian tactics helped him rise to the top, but also made him many enemies.
Often appears as...
- machiavellian tactics
- machiavellian scheme
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
noun
A person who uses deceit and manipulation to advance their own interests, especially in politics or in advancing their career.
He is a true Machiavellian - he will do anything to achieve his goals, no matter who gets hurt in the process.
Often appears as...
- a true machiavellian
- act like a machiavellian
Usage tips
Formal, Disapproving
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The word 'machiavellian' has negative overtones; using it suggests disapproval of the described tactics or behavior.
Her machiavellian strategies eventually led to a scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Reference
Originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance writer whose works imply the ends justify the means.
His machiavellian approach reminded me of 'The Prince' by Machiavelli.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Political
'Machiavellian' is frequently used in the context of political power plays and strategies.
The series showcased the machiavellian side of political campaigns.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The word 'machiavellian' has negative overtones; using it suggests disapproval of the described tactics or behavior.
Her machiavellian strategies eventually led to a scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Reference
Originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance writer whose works imply the ends justify the means.
His machiavellian approach reminded me of 'The Prince' by Machiavelli.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Political
'Machiavellian' is frequently used in the context of political power plays and strategies.
The series showcased the machiavellian side of political campaigns.
Pro Tip 1/3Negative Connotation
The word 'machiavellian' has negative overtones; using it suggests disapproval of the described tactics or behavior.
Her machiavellian strategies eventually led to a scandal.
Pro Tip 2/3Cultural Reference
Originates from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance writer whose works imply the ends justify the means.
His machiavellian approach reminded me of 'The Prince' by Machiavelli.
Pro Tip 3/3Often Political
'Machiavellian' is frequently used in the context of political power plays and strategies.
The series showcased the machiavellian side of political campaigns.
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Video examples
Best Monkey Moments PIPE...
want trouble chimps baboons and macaques may also try to look innocent when they break the rules this is a complicated social problem using your brain to control societies is called machiavellian intelligence after
Video examples
Best Monkey Moments PIPE...
want trouble chimps baboons and macaques may also try to look innocent when they break the rules this is a complicated social problem using your brain to control societies is called machiavellian intelligence after
Example 1 of 1
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