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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

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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

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verb

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
The plot keeps the viewer in constant doubt, questioning the extent to which the quest for justice can be manipulated. Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 26 Mar. 2025 The plot is the same as always, six strangers are invited to a dinner party in an isolated mansion by a host who knows a dark secret from each of their pasts. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
As Jennifer’s Body plots a resurrection, Amanda Seyfried still has nothing but praise for the original. Glenn Garner, Deadline, 22 Mar. 2025 According to authorities, Goodwin, 32, plotted to have her husband killed with the help of Grant Amato, a Florida man who’s serving a life sentence for the 2019 murders of his father, mother and brother at their suburban Orlando home. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for plot
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plot
Noun
  • Kelly’s portrayal contradicts other characterizations of Drue, including those made in prior legal proceedings, which depicted him as the architect of schemes to conceal assets and manipulate the legal system.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • Guilford police hoped that, by sharing the incident, others would be prevented from falling prey to similar schemes and offered the following tips: Do not respond directly to suspicious texts or emails.
    Staff report, Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Ellie McCuskey-Hay, St. Ignatius track and field: McCuskey-Hay won three events for SI in a dual meet against Presentation on Tuesday.
    Christian Babcock, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • As open fields and forests are being paved over, the natural life cycle of fireflies is disrupted as these luminescent beetles are displaced.
    Patrick Connolly, Orlando Sentinel, 20 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The city of Los Angeles has cleared the way for three Pacific Palisades homeowners to begin rebuilding on their properties.
    Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 21 Mar. 2025
  • Committee member Kendall Kendrick, executive director of the Charlotte Trail of History, is a descendant of the Sample family that also previously owned the Latta property.
    Mary Ramsey, Charlotte Observer, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This alert is in effect until 7 p.m. Source: The National Weather Service This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 3:00 PM.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 19 Mar. 2025
  • When circumstances arise, an editor’s note can be added to a story.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 19 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Michael was found not guilty of three counts of neglect and conspiracy to commit neglect of a dependent in 2022, while the charges against Kristine were dropped shortly after.
    Monica Mercuri, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025
  • How ‘chemtrails’ went from conspiracy to legislation Even before Kennedy’s new position, conspiracies about geoengineering and chemtrails ran rampant online.
    Ramishah Maruf, Brandon Miller, CNN, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Shortness of breath Summary A mild urinary tract infection can sometimes go away on its own without antibiotics.
    Cordelia Nwankwo, Verywell Health, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Pelvic floor exercises should also be undertaken by all women post-pregnancy to help support the womb and prevent urinary tract issues.
    Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But Ukraine has lost ground there and the region was recently visited by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the first time he's been there since Ukraine invaded in August last year.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • Strongly-scented soap, spinning pinwheels, coffee grounds, and human hair are not effective deterrents.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • FedEx — The parcel delivery firm saw shares tumbling more than 6% after the company cut its full-year profit and revenue forecasts .
    Hakyung Kim, CNBC, 21 Mar. 2025
  • One place Margolis is advocating to be made into a third place is a 1.4-acre parcel at 5334 University City Blvd.
    Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 20 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plot.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plot. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

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