intrigant

An intrigant whispers a secret plan in a dimly lit corner.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A scheming person: "intrigant" refers to an individual who engages in secret or underhanded schemes, often to gain power, influence, or personal advantage.
   • A plotter or conspirator: It describes someone who is involved in intricate or clandestine plans, especially in political or social contexts.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The court was full of intrigants who whispered lies to the king. (A scheming person who uses secret plots to manipulate others.)
  • He was known as an intrigant, always working behind the scenes to undermine his rivals. (A person who engages in underhanded activities for personal gain.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as an intrigant": to behave like a schemer or plotter.

  • She acted as an intrigant in the office, spreading rumors to secure a promotion. (She used secretive tactics to advance her own position.)

• "a political intrigant": a person who engages in secret plots within a government or organization.

  • The political intrigant was eventually exposed and banished from the party. (The person who used covert schemes in politics was caught and removed.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intrigue (n, v): the act of secret plotting; or to arouse curiosity.

  • The novel is full of political intrigue. (Secret schemes and plots.)
  • Her story intrigues me. (It arouses my curiosity.)

• Intriguing (adj): arousing curiosity or interest; fascinating.

  • The idea is intriguing. (It is interesting and thought-provoking.)

• Intriguer (n): a person who engages in intrigue (synonym of intrigant).

  • The intriguer was caught by the detective. (The schemer was apprehended.)

Synonyms

• Schemer: a person who plans underhanded actions.
• Plotter: someone who devises secret plans.
• Conspirator: a person involved in a secret agreement to do something harmful or illegal.

Related Idioms

• To weave a web of intrigue: to create a complex network of secret plots.

  • The diplomat wove a web of intrigue to destabilize the neighboring country. (He used intricate schemes to cause disorder.)

• To be a master intrigant: to be highly skilled in secret plotting.

  • In the shadowy world of espionage, he was a master intrigant. (He was exceptionally adept at scheming.)