Thesaurus results for COUNTERPLOT

counterplot 1 of 2

noun

Definition of counterplot

as in intrigue

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counterplot

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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

In the meantime, Venus in Libra will meet with Pluto retrograde in a harmonious alignment, adding depth, magnetism and a bit of psychological intrigue to the energetic atmosphere.

— Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026
When the emergence of a serial killer targeting teens coincides with the arrival of a new student, Robert Mallory (Homer Gere), suspicion and intrigue (and cocaine) become the name of the game.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of intrigue

Verb

The Voyagers have been skirting this dismal fate for years now, with NASA engineers carefully monitoring each spacecraft’s power supplies and plotting out when to turn off individual instruments to keep the missions going as long as possible.

— Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 7 Aug. 2026
While this reunion was happening, Juke was watching from a safe distance, plotting.

— Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of plot

Noun

Decades out of practice, Saxberger is assailed by writer’s block and confused by the machinations of a modern-day publishing industry that wants to turn his rediscovery into a branding exercise.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 7 Aug. 2026
His command of celebrity culture — its secrets, scandals, and machinations — was already firmly entrenched.

— Shirley Halperin, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of machination

Verb

Shanahan schemed up multiple 100-yard games for Kendrick Bourne, and even journeyman Demarcus Robinson had 111 yards in the playoffs against the Eagles — neither receiver had a 100-yard game since 2022.

— Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 29 July 2026
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

Definition of scheme

Noun

What subterfuge has the author devised within a sentence, and what chills of humor or irony will run across its surface as the subterfuge is discovered?

— Sabrina Jaszi, The Dial, 4 Aug. 2026
Her subterfuge eventually drives Frank to unknowingly hire Ariane’s own father to learn her identity.

— Air Mail, Air Mail, 18 July 2026

Definition of subterfuge

Verb

For his treachery in conspiring with Gwayne, Daemon claims Corlys as his own prisoner.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Before the jazz debacle, Ludlow was best known as a former City Council member who pleaded guilty in 2006 to federal charges of conspiring to embezzle union funds for campaign costs.

— David K. Li, NBC news, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspire

Noun

Deputies booked the third suspect in the case, 20-year-old Liam Fairlie, with conspiracy to commit a crime and furnishing marijuana to a minor.

— Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
And if Alito’s wife, Martha-Ann, minors in election conspiracies, Thomas’s wife, Ginni, majors in it, having explicitly urged lawmakers in two states to overturn Biden’s election.

— Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspiracy

Verb

That’s either an amazing coincidence of errors or the studies were cynically designed to contrive flaws in RCV.

— Paul Haughey, Mercury News, 7 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of contrive

Browse Nearby Words

counterplans

counterplot

counterplots

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Style

“Counterplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterplot. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of counterplot

noun

verb

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