Machiavellian

[ mak-ee-uh-vel-ee-uhn ]

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.

noun

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

Machiavellian

/ ˌmækɪəˈvɛlɪən /

adjective

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

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌMachiaˈvellianism, noun
• ˌMachiaˈvellist, adjectivenoun

Other Words From

• Mach·i·a·vel·li·an·ism Mach·i·a·vel·i·an·ism noun
• Mach·i·a·vel·li·an·ly Mach·i·a·vel·i·an·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of Machiavellian¹

First recorded in 1560–70; Machiavelli + -an

Example Sentences

“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

As has been the case for the past year, it is Israel’s longest-serving leader, its most Machiavellian and successful political operator, who is calling the shots.

From BBC

But Trump turned the Machiavellian tables on Pence.

From Salon

His Machiavellian manipulations culminated in July when the court gave Trump a shocking victory by granting the president broad immunity from criminal prosecution.

From Salon

"This is not about some Machiavellian politics or some utilitarian calculation about an election," he told the crowd.

From BBC