noun

Machiavelli

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Machiavelli (noun) means a person who schemes and manipulates others cunningly and without moral scruple, in order to gain or hold power. Example: “Colleagues called him a real Machiavelli for how he outmanoeuvred every rival for the promotion.”

noun

A person who schemes and manipulates others cunningly and without moral scruple, in order to gain or hold power.

"Colleagues called him a real Machiavelli for how he outmanoeuvred every rival for the promotion."

How to use Machiavelli

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsed as a common noun for someone who behaves like the historical Machiavelli — calculating, manipulative, and focused purely on gaining power.

Easily confused with

machiavellian →

Common pairings

a real Machiavelli act like a Machiavelli

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Machiavellis

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Colleagues called him a real _____ for how he outmanoeuvred every rival for the promotion.

Etymology

From Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), the Italian political writer whose book The Prince argued that rulers may need to use ruthless, unscrupulous methods to gain and keep power.

Origin: Italian · First attested 1469

Class of 1469 Machiavelli joined the language around 1469.

Machiavellian

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Synonyms

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schemer manipulator plotter conniver

Related words

operator handler manipulator plotter schemer rigger machinator conspirator

Rhymes for Machiavelli

Kelli Belli Morelli Botticelli Martinelli

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Frequently asked questions

What does “Machiavelli” mean?

The word “Machiavelli” means a person who schemes and manipulates others cunningly and without moral scruple, in order to gain or hold power. In plain terms, used as a common noun for someone who behaves like the historical Machiavelli — calculating, manipulative, and focused purely on gaining power.

How do you use “Machiavelli” in a sentence?

Here is “Machiavelli” used in a sentence: “Colleagues called him a real Machiavelli for how he outmanoeuvred every rival for the promotion.”

What part of speech is “Machiavelli”?

“Machiavelli” is a noun.

Where does the word “Machiavelli” come from?

The word “Machiavelli” dates back to around 1469 and comes from Italian. From Niccolò Machiavelli (1469-1527), the Italian political writer whose book The Prince argued that rulers may need to use ruthless, unscrupulous methods to gain and keep power.

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operator handler manipulator plotter schemer rigger machinator conspirator