Machiavellian

American  

[mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uhn] / ˌmæk i əˈvɛl i ən /

Sometimes Machiavelian

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.

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noun

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

Machiavellian British  

/ ˌmækɪəˈvɛlɪən /

adjective

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

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noun

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

Other Word Forms

• Machiavelianism
  noun
• Machiavelianly
  adverb
• Machiavellianism
  noun
• Machiavellianly
  adverb
• Machiavellist
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Machiavellian

First recorded in 1560–70; Machiavelli + -an

Example Sentences

He has only given you that $1,000 as an opening gambit, and now he wants something from you, but he is too Machiavellian to ask for it outright.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

Grown men can be as Machiavellian as 9-year-old girls, but boys haven’t quite learned how.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 2, 2025

But when he breaks down his thought process, there is less Machiavellian evil and more faulty perceptions and problems with impulse control.

From Slate • Jul. 23, 2025

Except from behind the windshield, where he views the world as teeming with schemers and brutes, acting on all manner of Machiavellian impulses.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2025

With that in mind I don’t think I’ll put down the Machiavellian Intelligence Officer’s name.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein