Synonyms of scheme

scheme 1 of 2

noun

ˈskēm 

1

as in ruse

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

an e-mail scheme to trick unwary Internet users into disclosing passwords and financial information

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• trick
• device
• stratagem
• gambit
• ploy
• sleight of hand
• jig
• gimmick
• fetch
• dodge
• knack
• flimflam
• deception
• bluff
• play
• sleight
• artifice
• wile
• hoax
• subterfuge
• shenanigan
• juggle
• cunning
• trickery
• feint
• duplicity
• swindle
• end run
• swindling
• chicanery
• skulduggery
• cheating
• fraud
• fakery
• jugglery
• sham
• cozenage
• legerdemain
• crookery
• craft
• dupery
• blind
• smoke screen
• front
• gaff

2

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

a scheme to kidnap the president's daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conspiracy
• plot
• machination
• strategy
• intrigue
• design
• stratagem
• maneuver
• manipulation
• subterfuge
• trickery
• system
• program
• counterplot
• cabal
• frame-up
• draft
• racket
• contrivance
• ground plan
• counterconspiracy
• dodge
• confederacy
• collusion
• cover-up
• gimmick
• ring
• connivance
• complicity
• trick
• conniving
• artifice
• game
• conspiration

3

as in plan

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

a scheme to upgrade the city's mass transit system

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• strategy
• blueprint
• program
• project
• system
• design
• arrangement
• proposal
• master plan
• game plan
• ground plan
• idea
• game
• road map
• way
• procedure
• recipe
• technique
• plot
• conspiracy
• ruse
• stratagem
• gambit
• intention
• collusion
• purpose
• subterfuge
• intent
• device
• policy
• tactic
• maneuver
• protocol
• contrivance
• means
• aim
• trick
• formula
• conception
• counterplan
• map
• counterstrategy
• setup
• diagram
• platform
• pattern
• layout
• projet
• specific(s)
• specification(s)

scheme

2 of 2

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

• plot
• plan
• contrive
• conspire
• intrigue
• collude
• connive
• devise
• machinate
• design
• compass
• hatch
• engineer
• put up
• concoct
• counterplot
• manipulate
• maneuver
• shape
• cook (up)
• map
• brew
• lay out
• frame
• jockey

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

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

Recent Examples of scheme

Noun

That Joe Biden-era scheme allowed private US citizens to sponsor Ukrainians who had fled their country because of the war and wanted to come to the US. —Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 27 Mar. 2026

The scheme has since been exposed following an investigation launched in 2021. —Alan Henry, PC Magazine, 27 Mar. 2026

Verb

But the show instantly makes a rod for its own back by waiting until Episode 3 to turn its hero into the Count and get all the treasure-hunting, high society-infiltrating, and Machiavellian scheming underway. —Jon O'Brien, IndieWire, 19 Mar. 2026

Co-creator and director Mike Clattenburg (Trailer Park Boys) highlights the joy and humor in watching a streetwise Jesus constantly scheming, all in the name of having a good time with his friends. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing scheme

• scheme (out)