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Machiavellian

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


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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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

She was also keenly aware that her Machiavellian husband was suddenly a foreign-policy expert without portfolio and, as such, was likely to get his idle self in trouble.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025

Lurie’s opponents underestimated his appeal, calling out his lack of political experience as a disqualifying factor when it came to leading an iconic American city known for its tangled bureaucracy and Machiavellian politics.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 21, 2024

“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




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