counterplot
Retaliation through intrigue
A counterplot is a plot designed to thwart another plot—a scheme devised in response to an opponent's scheme.
The word appears in espionage thrillers and political intrigue: The rebels discovered the king's plan and devised a counterplot.
As a verb, to counterplot is to scheme against someone who is scheming against you.
Crafty scheming, often hostile
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
- maneuverDeliberate tactical movement
ruse · artifice · tactic · design · plan · countermove · counterstrategy · counteraction
Treacherous deception of partner
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
- traitorOne who betrays allegiance
turncoat · collusion · conspiracy · cabal · sedition · treason · subversion · leak
Covert information gatherer
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
surveillance · intelligence · mole · handler · defection · counterintelligence · turncoat · dead-drop
Punitive response to injury
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
- reprisalPunitive action in return
comeuppance · nemesis · grudge · feud · turnabout · backlash · justice · avenger
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
- mysterySomething unexplained or unknown
intrigue · whodunit · antagonist · protagonist · villain · mastermind · dénouement · narrative
machination
Crafty scheming, often hostile
- stratagemDeceptive plan for advantage
- gambitRisky opening for advantage
- ployCalculated deceptive tactic
maneuver · ruse · artifice · tactic · design · plan · countermove · counterstrategy · counteraction · foiling
double-cross
Treacherous deception of partner
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
- deceptionIntentional misleading of others
traitor · turncoat · collusion · conspiracy · cabal · sedition · treason · subversion · leak · whistleblower
spy
Covert information gatherer
- infiltrationCovert entry into organization
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
undercover · surveillance · intelligence · mole · handler · defection · counterintelligence · turncoat · dead-drop · cipher
retaliation
Punitive response to injury
- vengeanceRetaliation for injury
- paybackRetaliation for wrongs
- retributionPunishment for wrongdoing
reprisal · comeuppance · nemesis · grudge · feud · turnabout · backlash · justice · avenger · reckoning
thriller
Suspense-driven narrative genre
- suspenseAnxious uncertainty about outcomes
- twistRotating motion or surprise
- cliffhangerSuspenseful unresolved ending
mystery · intrigue · whodunit · antagonist · protagonist · villain · mastermind · dénouement · narrative · Dumas
counterplotplot
Storyline or land parcel
main plot · opening gambit · master plan · conspiracy · scheme