counterplot
1 of 2noun
coun·ter·plot ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌplät 
: a plot designed to thwart an opponent's plot
counterplot
2 of 2verb
counterplotted; counterplotting; counterplots
transitive verb
: to intrigue against : foil with a plot
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
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
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 Word History
First Known Use
Noun
circa 1611, in the meaning defined above
Verb
1662, in the meaning defined above
counterplot 1 of 2
noun
as in machination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- machination
- intrigue
- plot
- subterfuge
- scheme
- stratagem
- trickery
- conspiracy
- counterconspiracy
- manipulation
- contrivance
- cabal
- frame-up
- dodge
- maneuver
- ground plan
- strategy
- confederacy
- connivance
- design
- racket
- conniving
- collusion
- cover-up
- artifice
- draft
- complicity
- system
- conspiration
- program
- ring
- trick
- gimmick
- game
counterplot
2 of 2verb
as in to plot
Synonyms & Similar Words
- plot
- scheme
- intrigue
- connive
- contrive
- conspire
- machinate
- devise
- collude
- hatch
- concoct
- brew
- plan
- compass
- engineer
- maneuver
- map
- jockey
- manipulate
- design
- cook (up)
- put up
- shape
- lay out
- frame