Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

had been plotting

  • past perfect progressive
    of plot.
    plot
    noun
    a secret plan or scheme to accomplish some purpose, especially a hostile, unlawful, or evil purpose.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Ms Hoskins, however, claims Mr Bunting had been "plotting with other colleagues" to place chocolate in her office.

From BBC Apr. 15, 2025

I had been plotting earlier this year to go out more and watch more stand-up and just see what the young people are doing, what the vets are doing.

From Salon Jun. 8, 2023

He had been plotting his actions since 2015, during the thick of the so-called migrant crisis, when more than a million refugees — largely from war-torn Syria — were arriving in Germany.

From Washington Post Jul. 15, 2022

But there were also indications that Silman, a religious lawmaker with strong nationalist views, had been uneasy sitting in Israel’s diverse coalition and had been plotting her exit for some time.

From Washington Times Apr. 6, 2022

As a matter of fact, his mind had been plotting mischief.

From Mary Gray by Katharine Tynan