Intrigue

This meaning is about hidden schemes and secret plotting. Imagine a TV drama set in a royal palace where everyone is lying and making deals behind closed doors. The whole story is full of intrigue — nobody can be trusted. This is intrigue as a noun — the world of secrets and manipulation. You might hear “the novel is full of political intrigue.” Or someone could describe “a web of intrigue surrounding the company’s downfall.” Or think about a history documentary about palace intrigue where advisors plotted against the king. The word suggests danger, secrecy, and hidden motives. ✏️ You’ll often see this with “political intrigue,” “palace intrigue,” or “a web of intrigue” — these are very common combinations.

This meaning is about actively scheming against someone in secret. Imagine a group of politicians who are unhappy with their leader. They start intriguing against him, holding private meetings and building alliances to remove him. This is intriguing — plotting in the shadows. You might read “the generals were intriguing against the president.” Or “rival factions intrigued to seize control of the party.” Or picture a historical drama where nobles intrigue against the queen while pretending to be loyal. The word carries a sense of betrayal and hidden ambition. ✏️ This is mostly used in formal writing, history, and fiction — in everyday speech, people usually say “plot against” or “scheme against” instead.