American Oxford Thesaurus
machinations
machinations plural noun they were always wary of the machinations of rival gangs: scheming, schemes, plotting, plots, intrigues, conspiracies, ruses, tricks, wiles, stratagems, tactics, maneuvering. CHOOSE THE RIGHT WORD See plot . These notes show fine distinctions in meaning between closely related synonyms to help you find the best word.
Oxford Thesaurus
machinations
machinations plural noun he was cheated by the political machinations of the legislature: schemes, plotting, plots, intrigues, conspiracies, designs, plans, devices, ploys, ruses, tricks, wiles, stratagems, tactics, manoeuvres, manoeuvring, contrivances, expedients; rare complots.