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
  • While the championship match was the main event, Saturday’s semifinal had a ton of intrigue for Southland girls volleyball fans.
    — Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
  • These teams both enter undefeated at 3-0, which only adds to the intrigue.
    — Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of intrigue
Verb
  • Years ago, William had plotted to pollute the the ley lines — the source of all witches and warlocks’ magical powers — which was foiled by a Mary, Graves and their coven sister Tamora (Keegan Connor Tracy).
    — Mya Copeland, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Jair Bolsonaro is now serving a 27-year prison sentence under house arrest after being convicted of plotting to overturn that election and prevent Lula from taking office.
    — Catherine Osborn, NPR, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of plot
Noun
  • Across two seasons packed with twisty machinations, Jung’s virtuous prosecutor Jang Geon-young attempted to pin down Hyun’s shamelessly corrupt — but effortlessly cool — intelligence officer Baek Ki-tae, only to be outfoxed at every turn.
    — Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2026
  • That merger reduced the club’s holding in Barca Produccions and turned it into a subsidiary, though the year just past saw more share machinations.
    — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of machination
Verb
  • They were accused of scheming to steal $20 million in union funds for personal gain.
    — Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Retaliation is not unheard of in higher education and fear of scheming colleagues is common.
    — Kevin Rennie, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • This subterfuge makes sense, since what these people reveal implicates their superiors.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, IndieWire, 10 Sep. 2026
  • The cover art sets it up perfectly, a dreamlike subterfuge that transforms the Villarreals into mythological Greek heroines.
    — Selena Fragassi, SPIN, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of subterfuge
Verb
  • My interview with Altman had been arranged weeks earlier, just as the first revelations emerged about swarms of rogue AI agents conspiring to hack websites.
    — Alyson Shontell, Fortune, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Arrested on three counts, Lui is accused of conspiring to violate the Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations, as well as federal smuggling and money laundering laws.
    — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of conspire
Noun
  • The two suspects were expected to face charges for robbery, conspiracy and resisting arrest, and were detained at a juvenile detention facility, police said.
    — Camryn Dadey, Sacbee.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Deputies booked Silva into Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on charges of voter intimidation, conspiracy to commit bribery, unlawful use of law enforcement insignia and disorderly conduct.
    — David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of conspiracy
Verb
  • That is what makes conversations like this sound dishonest and contrived.
    — Bobby Burack OutKick, FOXNews.com, 22 Sep. 2026
  • Its aimless, contrived, misogynistic, convoluted, messy, overtly long, abysmal, repetative, slow, shallow, and downright awful.
    — Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 14 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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