What does "cabal" mean?
A putative, secret organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose.
Cabal
/kəˈbɑːl/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A putative, secret organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose.
- Grammar: cabal is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: conspiracy, faction, addition, affiliate.
- Useful contrasts: disclose, expose, legitimacy.
- Usage evidence: If there's a cabal orchestrating everything in this world, it's no wonder they're embarrassed to own up to it.
How to use "cabal"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cabal" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cabal" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cabal" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cabal" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cabal" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "conspiracy" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "cabal", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A putative, secret organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose. derogatory
"The cabal is plotting to ruin the world."
- 2 a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act (especially a political plot) wordnet
- 3 A secret plot.
"The cabal to destroy the building was foiled by federal agents."
- 4 a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue wordnet
- 5 An identifiable group within the tradition of Discordianism.
"Some episkoposes have a one-man cabal. Some work together. Some never do explain."
Verb
- 1 To engage in the activities of a cabal. intransitive
"[W]e think it very unbecoming our Prudence, that the Determination ſhould be remitted to the Authors themſelves; when our Adversaries, by Briguing and Caballing, have cauſed so univerſal a Defection from us, that the greater Part of our Society has already deſerted to them, […]"
- 2 engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A surname.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"If there's a cabal orchestrating everything in this world, it's no wonder they're embarrassed to own up to it."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cabal"?
Common synonyms include: conspiracy, faction, addition, affiliate, affiliation, age group.
How do you use "cabal" in a sentence?
If there's a cabal orchestrating everything in this world, it's no wonder they're embarrassed to own up to it.
How do you pronounce "cabal"?
Pronounced /kəˈbɑːl/.
Etymology
From French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabbala, which in turn is derived from Hebrew קַבָּלָה (kabalá, “Jewish mysticism”, literally “reception, something received”) (such as knowledge). Doublet of Kabbalah, as well as, more distantly, ghibli.