machiavellian Definition
cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career.
Using machiavellian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "machiavellian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The politician's machiavellian tactics were exposed by the media.
Example
She climbed the corporate ladder through machiavellian means.
Example
The novel's antagonist is a machiavellian character who manipulates those around him for his own gain.
machiavellian Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for machiavellian
Antonyms for machiavellian
Phrases with machiavellian
the practice of using cunning and deceitful tactics in politics or in advancing one's career
Example
The company culture was characterized by cutthroat competition and machiavellianism.
a scheme or plan that involves deceit and manipulation, especially in politics or in advancing one's career
Example
The movie's machiavellian plot kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
an antagonist in literature or film who uses cunning and deceitful tactics to manipulate those around them for their own gain
Example
The novel's machiavellian villain was one of the most memorable characters in the story.
Origins of machiavellian
from Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance diplomat and writer who wrote 'The Prince', a book on political philosophy
Summary: machiavellian in Brief
'Machiavellian' [mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uhn] describes someone who is cunning, scheming, and unscrupulous, especially in politics or in advancing one's career. It is often used to describe people who use deceitful tactics to achieve their goals, as in 'The politician's machiavellian tactics were exposed by the media.' 'Machiavellian' extends into phrases like 'machiavellianism,' which refers to the practice of using such tactics, and 'machiavellian plot,' which refers to a scheme or plan that involves deceit and manipulation.
