scheme

noun

\ˈskēm

Definition of scheme

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a archaic

(1) : a mathematical or astronomical diagram

(2) : a representation of the astrological aspects of the planets at a particular time

b : a graphic sketch or outline

2 : a concise statement or table : epitome

3 : a plan or program of action especially : a crafty or secret one

4 : a systematic or organized configuration : design color scheme

scheme

verb

schemed; scheming

Definition of scheme (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to form a scheme for

intransitive verb

: to form plans also : plot, intrigue

Other Words from scheme Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about scheme

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Choose the Right Synonym for scheme

Noun

plan, design, plot, scheme, project mean a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end. plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation. plans for a house design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony. a design for a new dress plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions. the plot of the play 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 project often stresses imaginative scope and vision. a project to develop the waterfront

Examples of scheme in a Sentence

Noun

a scheme to cheat people out of their money The company has a new scheme for insurance coverage. a scheme to improve the economy the color scheme of a room

Verb

He felt that the other men were scheming against him. He was betrayed by a scheming friend.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Meyer ordered Lieberman to pay $5,301,694 in restitution to the victims of the fraud scheme, and $436,235 to the IRS. — Courant Staff Report, courant.com, "Conspirator In $20 Million Pump-And-Dump Scheme Gets 7 Years," 13 July 2018 The country now has at least nine commercial bike-sharing schemes, which often allow users to leave their wheels anywhere once they are done with them. — The Economist, "The Dutch underground bicycle-park arms race," 12 July 2018 Like Wentz, not to mention former Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith, Trubisky is an underrated athlete who should fit well into this scheme, assuming Nagy and those new weapons can help him take the next step after a disappointing rookie season. — Nate Davis, USA TODAY, "Bears training camp questions: Can Mitchell Trubisky take off under rookie coach Matt Nagy?," 10 July 2018 In the weeks before enacting the licensing schemes, nervous British troops had disrupted various contests and hauled off a number of spectators. — Charles P. Pierce, SI.com, "Trump Has Made the NFL His Punching Bag. The League’s Best Response Is Defiance," 9 July 2018 This gave further license to removal schemes, forced and otherwise. — Martha S. Jones, Time, "How the 14th Amendment's Promise of Birthright Citizenship Redefined America," 9 July 2018 Unfortunately not used: access to Blue Bell ice cream, knowledge of high school football offensive schemes, or ability to wear flip-flops in the winter. — John Boyd, Houston Chronicle, "You know you grew up in Texas if ...," 7 July 2018 His investigative team brought charges against BP for misleading investors regarding the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and has prosecuted Ponzi-like schemes, frauds, and excessive-fee cases. — Stan Grossfeld, BostonGlobe.com, "This guy has 757 Red Sox bats, and each one tells a story," 5 July 2018 As prosecutors unraveled the scheme, presidents were forced to resign, and even placed in jail. — New York Times, "Mexico Delivers Another Defeat to the Status Quo in Latin America," 2 July 2018

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

The people had been strategizing and scheming on that for a long time. — Kaitlyn Frey, PEOPLE.com, "Kendall Jenner Wears $925 Yeezy Cardigan While Watching Kanye West Talk About His 'Breakdown'," 2 May 2018 According to Aventura police, Spence and Seeger were best friends and part of a group of teens who schemed to pull the drug robbery. — David Ovalle, miamiherald, "In fatal robbery, gunman handed drug dealer a bullet: ‘I’m going to pay you with this’ | Miami Herald," 6 Mar. 2018 Yet if Russia’s chief political tough guy had been either minded or capable of scheming the result of his choosing during soccer’s biggest tournament, this would have been it. — Martin Rogers, USA TODAY, "Whatever happens, Vladimir Putin is winning the World Cup," 1 July 2018 In a literal sense, putting players in the right position is the art of scheming. — Andy Benoit, SI.com, "Sean McVay vs. Kyle Shanahan: The NFL’s Best New Coaching Rivalry," 18 June 2018 If James could win titles with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, this seems doable too, particularly if Mike D’Antoni has a summer to scheme up something for three (!) of the best players in the league. — Charles Curtis, For The Win, "How the Rockets should convince LeBron James to sign with them," 28 June 2018 But the thing is, dragons and direwolves are just as important to this narrative as Cersei’s scheming. — refinery29.com, "HBO Is Making A Game of Thrones Spinoff & We’ve Got Some Ideas," 9 June 2018 Panic, but not yet Whatever the outcome of closed-door scheming in Rome this week, Italy is likely to get its first all-populist government—if not now, then soon, after another election. — The Economist, "Italy needs to be handled with care," 31 May 2018 Zunaid Hossain, 22, faces a charge of scheming to defraud. — Maria Elena Vizcaino, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Fraudster in Orlando tricked Michigan man into wiring $19K — twice, cops say," 11 July 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'scheme.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near scheme

Phrases Related to scheme

color scheme

pension scheme

the scheme of things

Statistics for scheme

Last Updated

15 Oct 2018

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for scheme

The first known use of scheme was circa 1595

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More Definitions for scheme

scheme

noun

English Language Learners Definition of scheme

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a clever and often dishonest plan to do or get something

: an official plan or program of action

: the way that something is arranged or organized

scheme

verb

English Language Learners Definition of scheme (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make plans to do or get something in a secret and often dishonest way

See the full definition for scheme in the English Language Learners Dictionary

scheme

noun

\ˈskēm

Kids Definition of scheme

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : a secret plan : plot

2 : a plan of something to be done : project

3 : an organized design I like the room's color scheme.

scheme

verb

schemed; scheming

Kids Definition of scheme (Entry 2 of 2)

: to form a secret plan

scheme

noun

\ˈskēm

Medical Definition of scheme

: schema

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scheme

noun

Legal Definition of scheme

1 : a combination of elements (as statutes or regulations) that are connected, adjusted, and integrated by design : a systematic plan or program an inspection scheme

2 : a clever and often dishonest plan a scheme to defraud investors