Junto

A junto is a small, secret, or informal group of people who collaborate or conspire, often for political or self-serving purposes. It implies a tight-knit circle of individuals working together, sometimes with a clandestine agenda. The term highlights the exclusivity and potentially manipulative nature of the group's activities. It often suggests a power dynamic where members use their collective influence to achieve specific goals, possibly at the expense of others or the public good. The group may operate outside of established structures, maintaining a degree of secrecy about its inner workings. The word captures the essence of a closely bonded and sometimes ethically ambiguous alliance.

Junto meaning with examples

• A shadowy junto of wealthy investors secretly controlled the city's redevelopment projects, manipulating contracts to benefit their own interests. Whispers circulated about their influence over the planning commission, and critics accused them of corruption. The deals often bypassed the typical bidding processes. The community was left to question how much this secretive group knew and what they may have done to keep the community from receiving an honest bid.
• Political analysts believe a small junto of powerful military leaders orchestrated the coup, effectively seizing control and silencing dissent. The group made strategic moves using their shared influence, effectively cutting out anyone who may have opposed them. Their actions raised concerns in the international community, who watched their behavior closely. This secret arrangement could be one of the biggest moments in history.
• Before the revolution, a rebellious junto of intellectuals met in secret to discuss overthrowing the government. They developed strategies and shared knowledge of those that agreed with them. Their underground publications and meetings sowed the seeds of discontent among the population, and their plans started to materialize. In the end, their work would pave the way for change.
• Within the corporation, a tightly knit junto of executives quietly determined promotion prospects, favoring those who aligned with their views. This closed group's decisions marginalized employees who did not fit their corporate mold. Employees felt that they may have to join this closed door group just to survive and continue forward within the company, furthering the secret agenda.
• The art world's inner circle, a close-knit junto of gallery owners and critics, largely dictated what was considered valuable and worthy of attention. Their selective endorsements and exclusive events kept others out and shaped the market. The group determined how things were valued. This insider's system could be considered harmful because it devalues the work of others.