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

Etymology

Origin of Machiavellian

First recorded in 1560–70; Machiavelli + -an

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Machiavellian

At first it seemed a straightforward Machiavellian move; Graham wanted influence in the new administration.

From Salon ● Jul. 13, 2026

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

“Some spouses use power in a Machiavellian way,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 24, 2026

“Football coaches tend to be Machiavellian in character, but Robinson was more like a country doctor healing the sick in exchange for fresh eggs.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 11, 2024

Julie’s Bloody Machiavellian Intelligence Officer has been sent for so he can interview me.

From "Code Name Verity" by Elizabeth Wein