plural schemes
1
: a clever and often dishonest plan to do or get something
a scheme [=plot] to seize control of the government
a scheme to cheat people out of their money
2
chiefly British
: an official plan or program of action
The company has a new scheme for insurance coverage.
a scheme to improve the economy
a training/pension/marketing scheme
3
: the way that something is arranged or organized
the color/decorative scheme of a room
a poem's rhyme scheme
schemes; schemed; scheming
: to make plans to do or get something in a secret and often dishonest way
He felt that the other men were scheming against him.
He was betrayed by a scheming friend.
—often followed by to + verbShe schemed [=plotted] to take control of the company from her brother.
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/scheme. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
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