counterplot 1 of 2

Definition of counterplotnext

counterplot

2 of 2

verb

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of counterplot
Noun
Bit by bit, the castle at Elsinore (broodingly rendered by scenic designer Lee Savage) turns into a stage for life-and-death plots and counterplots. Don Aucoin, BostonGlobe.com, 31 July 2019 There’s something comforting about the normalcy of plot and counterplot, action and intrigue. Mike Hale, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2017
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterplot
Noun
  • There’s more intrigue around this meeting than a week ago, thanks to resurgent oil prices putting more pressure on inflation.
    Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 26 July 2026
  • Other insect-eating flora include butterwort, sundews and bladderwort, all of which add their own magic and intrigue to the swamp.
    Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Investigators have said Colt Gray carefully plotted the shooting at the high school of 1,900 students.
    ABC News, ABC News, 24 July 2026
  • Plus, the Office of Science and Technology Policy plots a venture capital-like model for the scientific grant process.
    Benjamin Guggenheim, Washington Post, 23 July 2026
Noun
  • But Margaret and Alice’s quick-witted machinations provide the basis for a merry outing at the theater.
    Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 23 July 2026
  • As much as the hero of Homer’s tale could blame Poseidon’s and Zeus’ machinations for delaying his journey, the movie Odysseus can only look inward.
    Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Corey Hawkins as Polybus Polybus is another one of Penelope’s many suitors who scheme to take her hand and kingdoms for themselves.
    Hannah Abraham, Forbes.com, 18 July 2026
  • Ten years on, after devising the victorious Trojan Horse gambit, Ulysses attempts to return to Ithaca and the pining Penelope, whose palace has been overrun with scheming suitors seeking her hand.
    Peter Rainer, Christian Science Monitor, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Her subterfuge eventually drives Frank to unknowingly hire Ariane’s own father to learn her identity.
    Air Mail, Air Mail, 18 July 2026
  • The majority sees this as subterfuge.
    Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 26 June 2026
Verb
  • Behind the scenes, Foote and the Avalanche had conspired to get this deal done.
    Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 25 July 2026
  • These men all conspire in dark rooms as the people continue to starve.
    Charles Lewis III, Mercury News, 24 July 2026
Noun
  • In 2009, Bourke was convicted of conspiracy to violate the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act for engaging in a scheme with Kozeny to bribe Azerbaijan government officials, spending a year and one day in prison starting in 2013.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 27 July 2026
  • Federal prosecutors charged him with bribery, conspiracy and unauthorized computer access, and Dwyer ultimately pleaded guilty.
    David Niccolini, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • Until, of course, the final game (which was not technically the final)… when Brazil contrived to lose a 1-0 lead, and Uruguay triumphed against all odds.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 23 July 2026
  • The British hotel chain Malmaison contrived the United Kingdom’s first prison-into-hotel conversion as part of an urban renewal project at Oxford Castle, situated between Oxford’s train station and shopping district.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 16 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Counterplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterplot. Accessed 30 Jul. 2026.

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