as in intrigue
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Recent Examples of counterplot
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for counterplot
Noun
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The ominous silence is more evidence of a city mired in political intrigue with too little transparency.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
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Vogue contributing editor Eaddy Kiernan also created intrigue by twisting back her hair along the side of her head to add a dynamic feel to the style.—
Shelby Wax,
Vogue,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Many are in critical mineral companies as the White House plots a strategy to directly back mining companies to build a domestic supply chain and reduce dependence on China.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
7 Feb. 2026
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Fashion Deals If your suitcase is already plotting its next trip, these February clothing and shoe deals are worth a look.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Feb. 2026
Noun
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With such broad big-brand experience, Mulier may be well equipped to navigate the machinations of Versace and the Prada Group.—
Lucy Maguire,
Vogue,
5 Feb. 2026
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Preller indicated some of the machinations the Padres were considering throughout the winter are no longer on the table.—
Kevin Acee,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Schlossnagle schemed in the offseason to ensure the reigning SEC champs would be deeper at all positions after a 44-14 finish.—
Cedric Golden,
Austin American Statesman,
1 Feb. 2026
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As Cunningham’s ascent into superstardom continues, the defensive game plan against him is leaving opposing teams scrambling to scheme up ways to neutralize him.—
Hunter Patterson,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
Noun
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For all its cutthroat espionage and subterfuge, The Americans was always a show about family.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
30 Jan. 2026
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Smiley, working with his colleague Peter Guillam (Benedict Cumberbatch) narrows his inquiry to five men, including Bill Haydon (Colin Firth) and Roy Bland (Ciarán Hinds), using clever subterfuge and maneuvering to get the truth.—
David Faris,
TheWeek,
15 Jan. 2026
Verb
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During his 156-day trial, prosecutors accused him of conspiring with six former Apple Daily staffers, two activists and others to request foreign forces to impose sanctions or blockades or engage in other hostile activities against Hong Kong or China.—
Kanis Leung,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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His piece of genius separated the sides entering the 84th minute but during a chaotic finale, the hosts conspired to grab defeat from the jaws of victory.—
James Pearce,
New York Times,
9 Feb. 2026
Noun
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In December, the judges ruled Lai was the mastermind of the conspiracies and never wavered in his intention to destabilize the ruling Chinese Communist Party.—
Kanis Leung,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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The indictment document is sealed, though the Associated Press reported that Lemon is facing charges related to conspiracy and violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Act.—
Erin Glynn,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
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This time, specific references were stripped away, leaving only a distillation of the dark rage evoked by metal and punk, equal parts elemental and contrived.—
Rachel Wetzler,
Artforum,
1 Feb. 2026
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Someone’s phone is always vibrating, a gimmick that often strikes me as contrived in a movie-movie but feels totally normalized in a reality-movie like The Moment.—
Anna Gaca,
Pitchfork,
30 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Counterplot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/counterplot. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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