Thesaurus results for PLOT

Q: How does the noun 'plot' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of plot are cabal , conspiracy , intrigue , and machination . While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. // an assassination plot

Q: When might 'cabal' be a better fit than 'plot'?

The synonyms cabal and plot are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence. // a cabal among powerful senators

Q: In what contexts can 'conspiracy' take the place of 'plot'?

While in some cases nearly identical to plot , conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery. // a conspiracy to fix prices

Q: When is 'intrigue' a more appropriate choice than 'plot'?

The words intrigue and plot are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity. // backstairs intrigue

Q: When could 'machination' be used to replace 'plot'?

Although the words machination and plot have much in common, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means. // the machinations of a party boss

plot 1 of 2

noun

ˈplät

Definition of plot

as in scheme

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends the Secret Service uncovered just in time a plot to assassinate the President

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in field

a small area of usually open land grew vegetables in a little plot

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in property

a small piece of land that is developed or available for development subdivided the old farm into plots for tract houses

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in story

the unfolding of events in a dramatic or literary work wrote novels in which the plot was always subordinate to the characterizations

Synonyms & Similar Words

plot

2 of 2

verb

ˈplät

as in to scheme

to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends mobsters were caught plotting to take over the company

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun plot differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of plot are cabal, conspiracy, intrigue, and machination. While all these words mean "a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end," plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme.

an assassination plot

When might cabal be a better fit than plot?

The synonyms cabal and plot are sometimes interchangeable, but cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence.

a cabal among powerful senators

In what contexts can conspiracy take the place of plot?

While in some cases nearly identical to plot, conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery.

a conspiracy to fix prices

When is intrigue a more appropriate choice than plot?

The words intrigue and plot are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

backstairs intrigue

When could machination be used to replace plot?

Although the words machination and plot have much in common, machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means.

the machinations of a party boss

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 plot

Noun

Framed as an ensemble drama rather than the story of a single heroic whistleblower, the production compresses Ibsen’s plot, reimagines the ending and leans into satire without sacrificing moral bite. — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 In a sense, The Eighth Wonder, with its subplot to do with writing a film script about an Indigenous poet lauded by millions, whom nobody genuinely knows, also translates this documentary about Borges, with its many images, into a different plot. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

In a small North Dakota college town, there is little for Stephen to do but go on long runs and plot countermoves against his future opponents. — Literary Hub, 26 Aug. 2026 The lesson isn’t that today’s police running license-plate-reading systems are secretly plotting political sabotage. — Karl W. Bickel, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plot

Recent Examples of Synonyms for plot

Noun

McNeal added that his second year in the offense has given him more confidence in the scheme and motivated him to get stronger to contribute in the run game.

— Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
While Simmons’ offensive scheme helped unlock FIU’s ground game last season, quarterbacks Keyone Jenkins and Joe Pesansky combined for 13 interceptions.

— Alejandro Hernandez, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

Min Woo Lee leads the field at the 2026 Tour Championship after one round of play, with a score of -8.

— Data Skrive, New York Times, 28 Aug. 2026
The National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Associations, Thailand’s Oscar selection body, chose the film from 51 eligible titles after narrowing the field to eight.

— Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of field

Noun

Other alleged violations — which total 23 in all — range from not having any smoke or carbon monoxide detectors throughout the property to failing to maintain the building in a structurally safe and stable condition.

— Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
With a light, silky texture, the brand’s body balm combines the hydrating properties of a body lotion with the anti-aging effects of a potent serum.

— Jenny Berg, Vogue, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of property

Noun

Like all other alumni interviewed for this story, one of the first things Oberlander mentioned about her love for Killian was athletics — football games in particular.

— Austin Horn August 29, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
Your stories are a great reminder of what sports teaches high school students about life.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of story

Noun

And in a related case, former union executive Tyler Brown pleaded guilty in May 2024 to one count of racketeering conspiracy.

— Judy L. Thomas, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026
Stewart went to prison for five months after being found guilty on charges of conspiracy and obstruction of justice related to the sale of a stock.

— Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of conspiracy

Noun

Although Salmonella primarily originates in the intestinal tracts of people and animals, including insects and birds, the bacterium is commonly found in the environment.

— Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein 1 (PTBP1) binds to RNA in astrocytes, preventing them from taking on nerve cell characteristics.

— Mike McRae August 30, New Atlas, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of tract

Noun

The movie, featured in the Venice Spotlight section of the fest, looks to break new ground.

— Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 27 Aug. 2026
In this context, Lord’s has more than done its bit — no English ground has seen more swing movement or more seam movement post-pandemic.

— Ben Jones Aug. 26, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of ground

Noun

In exchange for this parcel of Yosemite, the developer would purchase land of equivalent value, either near the national park or elsewhere in California, and trade it with the National Park Service, according to The New York Times.

— Noe Padilla, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The project is probably the best fit for the parcel, Planning Board chairperson Steve McGlothlin said before voting in favor of the recommendation.

— Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of parcel

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“Plot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plot. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of plot

noun

verb

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