Machiavellian

[ mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, like, or befitting Machiavelli.
2. being or acting in accordance with the principles of government analyzed in Machiavelli's The Prince, in which political expediency is placed above morality and the use of craft and deceit to maintain the authority and carry out the policies of a ruler is described.
3. characterized by subtle or unscrupulous cunning, deception, expediency, or dishonesty:

   He resorted to Machiavellian tactics in order to get ahead.

noun

1. a follower of the principles analyzed or described in The Prince, especially with reference to techniques of political manipulation.

Machiavellian

/ ˌmækɪəˈvɛlɪən /

adjective

1. of or relating to the alleged political principles of Machiavelli; cunning, amoral, and opportunist

noun

1. a cunning, amoral, and opportunist person, esp a politician

Derived Forms

• ˌMachiaˈvellist, adjectivenoun
• ˌMachiaˈvellianism, noun

Other Words From

• Mach·i·a·vel·li·an·ism Mach·i·a·vel·i·an·ism noun
• Mach·i·a·vel·li·an·ly Mach·i·a·vel·i·an·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of Machiavellian¹

First recorded in 1560–70; Machiavelli + -an

Example Sentences

The senator, a college gridiron star, has a coldly Machiavellian widow.

From The Daily Beast

El Comandante used his Machiavellian bag of tricks to fuel a spoils system and political juggernaut that Venezuelans worshiped.

From The Daily Beast

She is popular within the Democratic caucus, and there is no apparent Machiavellian maneuvering to unseat her.

From The Daily Beast

“George is not a Machiavellian self-interested monster,” Ashton said calmly on the last day of rebuttal.

From The Daily Beast

From Tribal Council to taxes to Trump, trouble seems to follow the Machiavellian reality-TV competitor.

From The Daily Beast

It was at that time they displayed that astute and patiently Machiavellian policy, which finally led to their triumph.

From Project Gutenberg

Hasan, brought up in this atmosphere of duplicity, was therefore well fitted to play the Machiavellian rôle of an Ismaili Dai.

From Project Gutenberg

Such was Ralegh's machiavellian policy that he would never confer with but one at once.

From Project Gutenberg

Until Germany abandons this Machiavellian doctrine it will be impossible to treat her as a civilized Power.

From Project Gutenberg

A soldier of fortune, like his illustrious chief, he distinguished himself chiefly by his Machiavellian talents for diplomacy.

From Project Gutenberg