Machiavellian or Machiavelian(ˌmækɪəˈvɛlɪən
)
Definitions
adjective (sometimes not capital)
- of or relating to the alleged political principles of Machiavelli; cunning, amoral, and opportunist
noun
- a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, esp a politician
Alternative Forms
ˌMachiaˈvellianism ˌMachiaˈvellism noun ˌMachiaˈvellist adjective nounSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
scheming,
cynical,
shrewd,
cunning,
designing,
intriguing,
sly,
astute,
unscrupulous,
wily,
opportunist,
crafty,
artful,
amoral,
foxy,
deceitful,
underhand,
double-dealing,
perfidious,
Usage examples
I really don't believe Caroline is part of some Machiavellian plot against me involving motorbikes and dead gangsters.
, THE LAST TEMPTATION (2002)Does this not point towards what some have described as a Machiavellian Intelligence (13)?
Spiked (2004)Virtually all describe him as an ambiguous, even Machiavellian figure.
New Zealand Herald (2004)Less Machiavellian voices suggest Mr Rowley was simply not making much impact.
Independent (1999)Machiavellian tactics were her own prerogative, she believed.
, CHRISTINA QUEEN OF SWEDEN: The Restless Life of a European Eccentric (2004)