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scheme

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verb

as in to plot
to engage in a secret plan to accomplish evil or unlawful ends the town inspector had schemed to overlook the contractor's code violations in exchange for a substantial bribe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scheme contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scheme are design, plan, plot, and project. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

When would design be a good substitute for scheme?

While the synonyms design and scheme are close in meaning, design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When is it sensible to use plan instead of scheme?

In some situations, the words plan and scheme are roughly equivalent. However, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When is plot a more appropriate choice than scheme?

The synonyms plot and scheme are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

In what contexts can project take the place of scheme?

Although the words project and scheme have much in common, project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

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 scheme
Noun
On Friday, following the first-quarter results announcement, Burberry CEO Josh Schulman also appealed for the restoration of the scheme. Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 July 2025 This DeSantis scheme gave his party four more Florida seats in Congress, which is their present slim majority. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 21 July 2025
Verb
The Thunder will likely try to attack Haliburton on defense due to the injury, so Indiana may need to scheme against this plan. Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025 The Giants will need to scheme Lawrence to keep four hands off him. Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for scheme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scheme
Noun
  • No, because the medic — work requirements are a ruse.
    NBC news, NBC news, 13 July 2025
  • Ben Affleck's Argo is a real film about the ruse of making a fake film to help rescue real-life hostages in Iran.
    EW Staff Published, EW.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • Kingston will receive his sentence on Aug. 28, just under five months after he and his 63-year-old mother were found guilty of four counts of wire fraud and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
    Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 24 July 2025
  • Singer pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, money laundering conspiracy, conspiracy to defraud the United States and obstruction of justice.
    Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 24 July 2025
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • The 21-year-old plans on taking an extra gap year before medical school in an effort to save money.
    Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Heading into the summer, Howe and the decision-makers at St James’ Park were surely plotting how to move forward again.
    Graham Ruthven, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • Republicans are plotting a similar scheme in Texas to secure their tenuous hold on Congress.
    Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The devices are considered imperative to reactor safety, according to the Energy Education project at the University of Calgary.
    Arpan Lobo, Freep.com, 26 July 2025
  • At some point, deputies sent a drone inside the home to determine if the woman was being held inside against her will, but the man attacked and broke the device, investigators said.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Noun
  • Neither the city's Office of Public Health and Safety nor the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department agreed to requests for interviews about the situation on Leonard Street and the city's evolving strategy for managing homeless camps.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • From advanced smart textiles to resilient sourcing strategies, the region’s manufacturers are pushing forward—despite an increasingly volatile landscape.
    Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The universe is playing tricks on you this week, Scorpio, especially in relation to career matters, your public persona or situations involving authority.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 13 July 2025
  • But this is an inane question, inanely phrased, because your letters so admirably inform me of your version of tricks.
    John Updike, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The company’s Emerging Leaders Program, designed by Dr. Jenny Schultz, who heads up leadership development at Delta Defense, offers a practical blueprint for companies looking to grow future leaders through intentional, measurable development. 1.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • Like Neff’s El Mirasol in Los Angeles (once home to Orson Welles and, later, Diane Keaton), this modern hacienda features a massive great room with a vaulted open-beam ceiling that highlights the open blueprint.
    Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scheme. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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