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

A few songs that dwell on similar lyrical themes could have been culled; and it would have been thrilling to hear the star's Machiavellian side explored amidst the radio-friendly pop.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 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

“Well, what in creation is she doing ferrying clapped-out Tiger Moths about, in that case? Give the Bloody Machiavellian English Intelligence Officer a call and get permission,” Jamie suggested.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein