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
Joe Marusak
july 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 July 2026
The disclosure underscores that simple holding, not complex schemes, is the primary reason for deferred taxes on large crypto portfolios.
—
Shehan Chandrasekera,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Arthur Knight,
HollywoodReporter,
25 June 2026
Making her onscreen debut in the 1944 teen musical Chip Off the Old Block, Blyth gave her breakout performance in Mildred Pierce (1945) as Veda Pierce, the scheming daughter of Joan Crawford’s titular character.
—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Noun
The brothers were in the country illegally during the multi-state scheme that stole at least $760,000 from the federal SNAP program, prosecutors said.
—
Joe Marusak
july 2,
Charlotte Observer,
2 July 2026
The disclosure underscores that simple holding, not complex schemes, is the primary reason for deferred taxes on large crypto portfolios.
—
Shehan Chandrasekera,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2026
Verb
The catastrophies that our heroine averts are awfully small potatoes — a bulldozer running amok, an amusement park ride speeding out of control, some prankish teenagers scheming to turn the girl’s shower into a steambath.
—
Arthur Knight,
HollywoodReporter,
25 June 2026
Making her onscreen debut in the 1944 teen musical Chip Off the Old Block, Blyth gave her breakout performance in Mildred Pierce (1945) as Veda Pierce, the scheming daughter of Joan Crawford’s titular character.
—
Glenn Garner,
Deadline,
25 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scheme
Noun
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At face value, a $10 million rental is an exorbitant fee for a ruse.
-
Such offenders will use all different ruses to distract the victim, such as claiming to be utility workers, tree trimmers, or handymen working on neighbors' houses.
Noun
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Former Lakers Malik Beasley and Ed Davis were charged with wire fraud conspiracy and bribery in sporting contests by federal prosecutors in a sweeping indictment that included four other co-conspirators.
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Political podcasters such as Tucker Carlson peddle conspiracies and lies, and there seems to be little consequence for hateful rhetoric.
Noun
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Democrats say the Republican plan would hurt low- and middle-income Georgians, who would end up paying more in taxes.
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
Verb
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That will really set the tone for that day, which is just being plotted out now, to really engage in a conversation that will be open to industry pass holders, press, and public to talk about the future of independent film.
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Sources tell OutKick that Pitaro backed Mark Jones in 2020 when Jones falsely accused police officers of plotting to shoot him.
Noun
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The trick is to widen your view deliberately, one angle at a time, because each new angle surfaces buyers the last one missed.
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Now, as heat waves wash over cities from London to Palm Springs, people are embracing this tried-and-true trick with the Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad.
Noun
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Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
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Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
Noun
-
Those who rely on custom mobility devices still have to fly commercial or find another way to get to the games, and risk damage to their wheelchairs in the process.
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These devices are a direct answer to that problem.
Noun
-
Reliability, familiarity and consistency go a long way when a franchise is laying a new foundation and needs people to serve as the blueprint.
-
As rain drizzled and the humidity bore down, the president peered at blueprints for the public golf course, before driving to his own course in Virginia via the Arlington Memorial Bridge, near where his Triumphal Arch may soon be built.
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scheme. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
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