Literary Plot Devices

verb to contrive or plot, especially in a secret or underhanded manner

• The group of conspirators decided to machinate a plan to overthrow the government.
• She's always machinating something behind the scenes.
• I heard they were machinating a way to cheat on the test.
• The wheels of power machinate in mysterious ways.

noun a crafty scheme or plot, especially one intended to do harm

• The intricate machination of the plot kept the audience on the edge of their seats.
• I can't believe the machination behind that scandalous rumor!
• The machination of that plan was seriously twisted.
• The machination of the universe's design is beyond our comprehension.