plot

n.

1. An intrigue

   conspiracy, scheme, intrigue, machination, cabal, stratagem, plan, design, designs, counterplot, covin; see also intrigue 1, trick 1.

2. The action of a story

   plan, scheme, outline, design, development, progress, unfolding, movement, story line, climax, denouement, events, incidents, enactment, suspense, structure, build-up, scenario.

3. A piece of ground

   parcel, land, division; see area 2, lot 1.

plot is used of a secret, usually evil, project or scheme, the details of which have been carefully worked out the plot to deprive him of his inheritance failed; intrigue, implying more intricate scheming, suggests furtive, underhanded maneuvering, often of an illicit nature the intrigues at the royal court; machination stresses deceit and cunning in devising plots or schemes intended to harm someone the machinations of the villain; conspiracy suggests a plot in which a number of people plan and act together secretly for an unlawful or harmful purpose a conspiracy to seize the throne; cabal suggests a small group of political intriguers

plot

v.

1. To devise an intrigue

   frame, contrive, scheme; see plan 1.

2. To plan

   sketch, outline, draft; see plan 2.

3. To determine a course

   map out, put forward, propose, outline, consider, plan.