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
  • Their adventure takes them from the icy fjords of Norway through Byzantine intrigue and along the legendary Silk Road, bringing together Viking grit, ancient Chinese wisdom, unexpected alliances and a touch of magic.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 5 Sep. 2026
  • In addition, this will be the first Apple event with John Ternus as CEO, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
    Mark Yarm, PC Magazine, 5 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Stolen and enslaved Indigenous people formed new networks of kinship; learned new skills and languages; retained memories of family, kin, and rituals; and, through it all, continually plotted to return home.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2026
  • O’Kane shouts when Tom Brokaw announces that one of the men suspected of plotting the attack has been detained.
    Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Only the machinations of ABC/Disney and my own rogue immune system have kept me from writing recaps here on Vulture over the last 11 years.
    Ali Barthwell, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The Heat are expected to carry only 14 players under standard contract at the start of their season, due to their position against the hard cap created by the machinations for the acquisition of Antetokounmpo.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • McDaniel has shown the ability to scheme around offensive line weakness.
    Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 7 Sep. 2026
  • When the bank refuses, the sisters scheme an elaborate all-night heist to reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
    Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The cover art sets it up perfectly, a dreamlike subterfuge that transforms the Villarreals into mythological Greek heroines.
    Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
  • The subterfuge involved him stowing away in an airport catering container to sneak onto the jet.
    Lorraine Ali, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Because Bush made clear his intention to attack Iraq, a nation that allegedly conspired with Al Qaeda.
    Matthew Warshauer, New York Daily News, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The McClures alleged that Long Beach officials had conspired to block them from opening a chain of residential care homes.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Chetal pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in November 2024 and awaits sentencing.
    ABC News, ABC News, 7 Sep. 2026
  • Noreus pleaded guilty in June to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
    Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • An ingenious means of admitting natural light has been contrived so that, during the daytime, parts of these wonderfully austere and stony subterranean cellars, which ought to be very dark indeed, remain softly radiant.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026
  • Stranded in a no-man’s land where everybody deplores toxic masculinity but the guys still need to be given something to do, the film doesn’t manage to contrive any actual fun.
    Caspar Salmon, Variety, 10 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Counterplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterplot. Accessed 14 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster