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
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2
as in conspiracy
a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends
a scheme to kidnap the president's daughter
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3
as in plan
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective
a scheme to upgrade the city's mass transit system
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of scheme
Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Creating a hygge lighting scheme Hygge light is warm, comfortable, and similar to that emitted by candles (a staple of hygge interiors).
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
John Russell, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
The company schemed to pay over $1 billion in bribes to Malaysian and Emirati government officials to gain lucrative contracts.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Noun
So having that mental aptitude to learn and pick up schemes could help a good and creative coach get a ton out of him.
—Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 27 Feb. 2025
Creating a hygge lighting scheme Hygge light is warm, comfortable, and similar to that emitted by candles (a staple of hygge interiors).
—Ana Morales, Vogue, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Locklear was promoted to a main cast member for season 2 and her character quickly evolved into a scheming antagonist, making the actress one of the show’s breakout stars.
—John Russell, People.com, 10 Feb. 2025
The company schemed to pay over $1 billion in bribes to Malaysian and Emirati government officials to gain lucrative contracts.
—Justin Gest, Newsweek, 11 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scheme
Noun
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The idea of doctors posing as podcasters to make men more suggestible is already a winner, but the language the doctors employ to complete the ruse ratchets up the comedy.—
Joe Berkowitz,
Vulture,
26 Jan. 2025
-
Is this to maintain the ruse of amateurism to go along with the players’ professed allegiance to and love of this particular university, however temporary?—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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She was arrested on suspicion of robbery (conspiracy) and resisting or obstructing officers, according to the news release.—
Carolyn Komatsoulis,
Idaho Statesman,
1 Mar. 2025
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The former cartel leader is facing multiple charges, including drug trafficking and conspiracy to murder, in the Eastern District of New York.—
Dan Perry,
Newsweek,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The changes may require the center to be closed for a few days, but the current plans are to renovate the facility over the weekend so no closures are necessary.—
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette,
arkansasonline.com,
1 Mar. 2025
-
Estate distribution among beneficiaries can be handled in various ways, with each state providing a default method and estate planning attorneys utilizing multiple strategies to tailor distribution plans.—
Ashley Case,
Forbes,
1 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Was only the first season really plotted out in any meaningful way?—
Erik Kain,
Forbes,
2 Mar. 2025
-
Black sharecroppers and tenant farmers were plotting an insurrection.—
Christmaelle Vernet & Kathy Roberts Forde / Made by History,
TIME,
28 Feb. 2025
Noun
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The doctor said that on a Friday night several weeks ago, a patient came in after a heart attack, and a heart assist device was placed on the patient through the groin.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2025
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Sessions run three hours daily, three days weekly, with customizable timing and full device access outside therapy.—
Jaime Catmull,
Forbes,
4 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Native Entrepreneurs Driving Change Native entrepreneurs are transforming their communities by combining cultural values with modern business strategies.—
Oweesta,
Forbes,
3 Mar. 2025
-
European leaders, already recalibrating their defense strategies, will likely seek stronger partnerships outside of Washington's shifting stance.—
Gordon G. Chang,
Newsweek,
3 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Luckily, there’s one easy trick that the most trustworthy, relatable and likable people use.—
Ellen Hendriksen, Contributor,
CNBC,
5 Mar. 2025
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Attendees will learn tricks of baiting and setting humane traps, which are on loan with a fully refundable deposit if they are returned in good condition, as well as how to transport cats safely.—
Melinda Moore,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Just as frameworks such as the Business Model Canvas provides startups with a clear roadmap, a family charter or strategy serves as a guiding blueprint, ensuring alignment and clarity as the office evolves.—
Francois Botha,
Forbes,
9 Mar. 2025
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The blueprint does not mention Social Security or Medicare by name.—
William Lambers,
Newsweek,
8 Mar. 2025
Articles Related to scheme
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scheme. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.
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