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
  • Netizens proclaimed their affection for the rattan man, claiming a combination of intrigue, longing, and confusion.
    — Kirbie Johnson, Allure, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Via Plinio, 32 Luca Marcellin’s 26-seat cocktail bar couples the conviviality of a neighborhood place with the intrigue of a speakeasy.
    — Jaclyn DeGiorgio, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • The distinction matters because operating an unmanned vessel requires more than plotting a route.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2026
  • In the years to come, plotting out the dense and often convoluted storylines on a giant dry-erase board would become a staple of the Seinfeld writing process.
    — Blake J. Harris, Vanity Fair, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of plot
Noun
  • Through Toinette’s machinations and Beralde’s subtle plans, show business itself becomes the day-saving tool in The Imaginary Invalid.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026
  • This case smacks of the political machinations so typical of Tamarac.
    — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of machination
Verb
  • Who doesn’t love a good scheming royal for collecting Halloween treats?
    — Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2026
  • That point is proved time and again, as editors scheme against each other, belittle each other’s literary taste and throw Batter under the bus whenever an opportunity arises.
    — Leigh Haber, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • 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
  • This subterfuge makes sense, since what these people reveal implicates their superiors.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Verb
  • Federal prosecutors accused Maduro of conspiring with his wife to torture individuals who were held in Venezuelan prisons, according to a criminal indictment unsealed last week.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026
  • The night before, Tenney, along with three other men and one woman, had conspired to steal back a vehicle from Torres, the Statesman previously reported.
    — Harllie Stevenson, Idaho Statesman, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of conspire
Noun
  • The attorney general’s Office of Statewide Prosecution will assume jurisdiction over the multi-circuit criminal conspiracy case against Castro.
    — Landon Mion , Lorraine Taylor, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
  • Florida has charged Castro alone with one count of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Verb
  • 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
  • That is what makes conversations like this sound dishonest and contrived.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 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 27 Oct. 2026.

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