counterplot 1 of 2

noun

Definition of counterplotnext
as in intrigue

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counterplot

2 of 2

verb

as in to plot

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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
  1. intrigue
  2. plot
  3. machination
  4. scheme
  5. subterfuge
  6. conspire
  7. conspiracy
  8. contrive
Noun
  • Each season sees 12 contestants engaged in competitive and cooperative tasks that push the mental envelope, with overarching metagames, hidden puzzles, and lots of intrigue.
    — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Green adds more visual intrigue than classic neutrals, but still blends well with the landscape around it.
    — Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Cook County prosecutors on Monday announced the indictment of a Palatine teen who authorities say plotted a mass shooting at an Aurora temple last month.
    — Barbara Vitello, Chicago Tribune, 9 Nov. 2026
  • And so, in late September, my friend Sarra and I plotted a week-long road trip linking four national parks and three state parks in Utah.
    — Jamie Spain, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of plot
Noun
  • Warning to others The internal machinations of a far-off bureaucracy may not seem significant, said The Indian Express (Noida).
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Lexi and Ridge create a multitude of festive excursions — and excuses — to bring them together but thanks to creative machinations by June and Dan, these outings keep turning into foursomes.
    — Rachel LaBonte, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of machination
Verb
  • The talk-show host, Stiller and Grande portray three siblings scheming for wealthy dad De Niro’s inheritance through passive-aggressive one-liners and a lot of derisive applause.
    — Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 9 Nov. 2026
  • Then, there’s the matter of out-scheming and out-managing Kirby Smart, the SEC’s winningest coach by win percentage.
    — Mike Griffith, AJC.com, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Galloping advances in technology invite subterfuge and theft.
    — Sam Mullins, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2026
  • The series unpacks the subterfuge and secrecy required to record the interviews and how Diana and Colthurst were on high alert while making the recordings, Barefield explained.
    — Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Verb
  • Vallow Daybell was convicted separately in Arizona for conspiring to murder her estranged husband and her niece’s ex-husband, the latter of whom survived.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Two months earlier, another jury convicted her of conspiring to murder her estranged husband, Charles Vallow, whom Cox shot and killed in July 2019.
    — Leigh Egan, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of conspire
Noun
  • Désir, a married father of two young children, is among several people accused of helping advance the conspiracy that culminated in Moïse’s killing.
    — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Both men face felony charges of intimidation of witness/victim, conspiracy, criminal use of communication facility and bribery.
    — Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Verb
  • That evolution has provided a playground for screenwriters contriving elaborate shocks.
    — Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Transport Workers Union President John Samuelsen said Menin is using the death of a tourist to contrive a public safety crisis.
    — Jessica Moore, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of contrive

Browse Nearby Words

counterplans
counterplot
counterplots
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Cite this Entry

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

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