counterintrigue
Retaliatory secret machinations
Counterintrigue is a scheme designed to thwart another scheme—plotting against plotters.
The word appears in political and espionage contexts where factions maneuver against each other: The ambassador's counterintrigue exposed the conspiracy before it could unfold.
As a verb, to counterintrigue is to engage in such opposing plots.
Defeat through superior tactics
- feintDeceptive mock attack
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- ruseDeliberate act of deception
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
stratagem · diversion · misdirection · anticipation · countermove · parry · deception · trap
One who thwarts espionage
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- surveillanceSystematic observation of subjects
tradecraft · dead drop · cipher · covert · clandestine · intelligence · reconnaissance · defection
Negotiation between nations
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- backroomPrivate space for dealings
- power playStrategic leverage attempt
- factionGroup within group
leverage · alliance · negotiation · subterfuge · manipulation · blackmail · compromise · statesmanship
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- spy novelFiction about secret agents
- whodunitCrime fiction identifying perpetrator
- plot twistSudden narrative redirection
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
mystery · cloak-and-dagger · clue · detective · conspiracy theory · secret society · mastermind · nemesis
outmaneuver
Defeat through superior tactics
gambit · stratagem · diversion · misdirection · anticipation · countermove · parry · deception · trap · ambush
counterspy
One who thwarts espionage
- double agentSpy betraying their side
- moleSubterranean insectivore
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
surveillance · tradecraft · dead drop · cipher · covert · clandestine · intelligence · reconnaissance · defection · sleeper
diplomacy
Negotiation between nations
- coalitionTemporary alliance for action
- backroomPrivate space for dealings
- power playStrategic leverage attempt
faction · leverage · alliance · negotiation · subterfuge · manipulation · blackmail · compromise · statesmanship · double-dealing
thriller
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- spy novelFiction about secret agents
- whodunitCrime fiction identifying perpetrator
- plot twistSudden narrative redirection
suspense · mystery · cloak-and-dagger · clue · detective · conspiracy theory · secret society · mastermind · nemesis · unmasking
counterintrigueintrigue
Secret plotting or fascination
conspiracy · opening gambit · first move · provocation · instigation
counter, intrigue, intriguing, intrigued, counteract, countermeasure, intriguers, counterintelligence, intriguer