Definition

Noun: * A person who devises plots or intrigues: An intriguer is someone who secretly plans or schemes, often to achieve a goal through cunning or underhanded methods. They are characterized by their involvement in complex, secretive, or deceptive plans.

Usage

The word "intriguer" is used to label a person whose primary mode of operation involves scheming. It carries a negative connotation, implying deceit, manipulation, and a lack of openness. * It is typically used as a countable noun. * It often appears in contexts involving politics, espionage, power struggles, or complex social maneuvering.

Examples

• The court was full of intriguers whispering in corners and forming secret alliances.
• She was a master intriguer, always several steps ahead of her rivals in the corporate hierarchy.
• He is believed to be the principal intriguer behind the political scandal.

Advanced Usage

• "A web of intriguers": This phrase describes a situation where multiple scheming individuals are interconnected in their plots.
  • The conspiracy was unraveled, revealing a vast web of intriguers.
• "The intriguer's machinations": This collocation emphasizes the cunning and complex nature of the schemer's plans.
  • The kingdom was destabilized by the intriguer's machinations.

Variants and Related Words

• Intrigue (noun): A secret or underhanded scheme; a plot.
  • The novel is full of political intrigue.
• Intrigue (verb): To arouse curiosity or interest; to scheme or plot.
  • The mystery intrigued the detective. (to interest)
  • They were suspected of intriguing against the government. (to plot)
• Intriguing (adjective): Fascinating or interesting, often because of a mysterious quality.
  • She proposed an intriguing theory.

Synonyms

• Schemer: A person who is involved in making secret or underhanded plans.
• Plotter: A person who makes secret plans to carry out a harmful or illegal act.
• Conspirator: A person who takes part in a conspiracy (a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful).
• Machinator: A person who engages in plots and scheming (a more formal synonym).

Antonyms

• Ingenuous person: A person who is innocent, simple, and straightforward.
• Straightforward person: A person who is direct and honest in manner and speech.

Noun

1. a person who devises plots or intrigues
   • he is believed to be the principal designer of the terrorist bombing attack