scheme
noun
\
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
verbDefinition of scheme (Entry 2 of 2)
: to form a scheme for
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Synonyms for scheme
Synonyms: Noun
artifice, device, dodge, fetch, flimflam, gambit, gimmick, jig, juggle, knack, play, ploy, ruse, shenanigan, sleight, stratagem, trick, wile
Synonyms: Verb
collude, compass, connive, conspire, contrive, intrigue, machinate, plot, put up
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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 roomVerb
He felt that the other men were scheming against him. He was betrayed by a scheming friend.
Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Before long, MoviePass had announced and then quickly reneged on several schemes for growing revenue quickly. — Alissa Wilkinson, Vox, "MoviePass announces yet another new pricing structure," 6 Dec. 2018 This scheme keeps truck traffic on or near Alaskan Way — so there’s no need to drive trucks along steep, crowded Denny Way, as outlined in Kiewit’s initial bid proposal. — Mike Lindblom, The Seattle Times, "Seattle’s big demolition spectacle: How crews plan to pulverize the Alaskan Way Viaduct," 5 Dec. 2018 From a modern perspective, controlling 3D games with that distinctly ancient control scheme feels like a bit of an anachronism. — Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, "PlayStation Classic review: A far-from-classic experience," 27 Nov. 2018 The tax credit scheme dates to the 2008 Energy Improvement and Extension Act, which boosted the budding electric car industry by artificially closing the price gap between EVs and cheaper gasoline-powered cars. — Jack Stewart, WIRED, "The Terrible Timing of Tesla's Expiring $7,500 Tax Credit," 12 July 2018 Think loose shapes, a color scheme in mostly black with the odd, attention-grabbing print or statement scarf, some big jewellery, and comfortable, walking-friendly shoes. — Rachel Jacoby Zoldan, SELF, "The 8 Best Lessons I Learned Living the Lagom Life," 31 Oct. 2018 Hunt thought Levin was the financial savior for a scheme badly in need of new investment. — Paul Elias, The Seattle Times, "Billionaire Boys Club’s Joe Hunt seeks cut in life sentence," 23 Oct. 2018 The girls wore beautiful white dresses with oversized green floral sashes to match the wedding color scheme, while the boys looked smart in white shirts and full-length trousers. — Lucy Wood, Marie Claire, "Watch the Adorable Moment Princess Eugenie's Flower Girl Asked Sarah Ferguson if She's The Queen," 13 Oct. 2018 In a forthcoming documentary about the royal family, Prince Harry apparently speaks with a group of visitors from the Caribbean, who are taking part in a new scheme initiated by the Queen for hospitality professionals. — Amy Mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Prince Harry Just Said the Funniest Thing About 'Bumping' into Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace," 15 Sep. 2018Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
And later, Google again caught red-handed scheming to oppose the president by fiddling with search results. — Fox News, "Media's Kavanaugh spectacle," 24 Sep. 2018 After a season of spying and scheming and fighting over dudes with boats, Siesta Key’s first season has finally come to a close. — Mark Shrayber, Cosmopolitan, "Spencer Pratt Breaks Down the Dramatic Siesta Key Finale," 6 Mar. 2018 Along with the school’s board chairman, they were charged with scheming to defraud. — Rebecca Davis O’brien, WSJ, "Prosecutors Expand Newsweek Case to Include California Bible College," 15 Nov. 2018 But Shelton was clearly not happy with the other coaches scheming against him, so perhaps a steal is in his future. — Megan Friedman, Country Living, "Veteran Mikele Buck Stunned Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton on 'The Voice'," 29 Sep. 2018 As the antagonist of Kwan’s novel, Eleanor is more clearly a shallow adversary who spends much of her time scheming against Rachel, and snooping through her family details. — Shannon Liao, The Verge, "How Crazy Rich Asians turns a traditional Asian rom-com trope into a modern statement," 18 Aug. 2018 The American Jewish Committee and the Anti-Defamation League worried the show’s depiction of Caiaphas and Herod as scheming against Jesus would revive charges that Jews were responsible for Jesus’ death. — Kimberly Winston, Washington Post, "The stormy, surprising history of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’," 30 Mar. 2018 Or scheming: Mark Zuckerberg and Facebook know our wants and desires. — Andy Kessler, WSJ, "Think You’re Smarter Than Your Boss?," 14 Oct. 2018 Sent to find her, Thomas schemes his way in among a group of pilgrims headed for a tiny island off Wales, where a group of outcasts practice their own strange pagan religion. — Tasha Robinson, The Verge, "Netflix’s Apostle takes The Wicker Man to a radical new level," 12 Oct. 2018These 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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From the Editors at Merriam-Webster
The Good, The Bad, & The...
The Good, The Bad, & The Semantically Imprecise - 11/2
The words that defined the week of November 2nd, 2018
Dictionary Entries near scheme
Statistics for scheme
Last Updated
10 Dec 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
verbEnglish 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
\
Kids Definition of scheme
(Entry 1 of 2)
scheme
verbKids Definition of scheme (Entry 2 of 2)
: to form a secret plan
scheme
noun
\
Medical Definition of scheme
: schema
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scheme
nounLegal 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
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