Machiavellian adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and usage notes | Oxford Advanced American Dictionary at OxfordLearnersDictionaries.com

Definition of Machiavellian adjective from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

Machiavellian

adjective

NAmE//ˌmækiəˈvɛliən//

(formal) (disapproving)

using intelligent or skillful plans to achieve what you want, without people realizing what you are doing synonym cunning, unscrupulous Machiavellian manipulation From the name of Niccolò Machiavelli, an Italian politician (1469-1527), who explained in his book, The Prince, that it was often necessary for rulers to use immoral methods in order to achieve power and success.

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Nearby words

Mach noun
machete noun
Machiavellian adjective
machination noun
machine noun