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
Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026
In the petition for Rother’s second motion to dismiss of the day — Kirkland and all of the attorneys present agreed that the two cases were virtually identical — Rother argued that the case against the agent should be dismissed even if the alleged scheme were true.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026
CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Authorities said the indictment alleges that Richard Murray, 31, and others, used a sweepstakes scheme to induce the primarily elderly victims to provide them with money, a scheme taking place since at least 2018.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Noun
Roster, scheme, structure, approach, installation, on and on.
—Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 27 Feb. 2026
In the petition for Rother’s second motion to dismiss of the day — Kirkland and all of the attorneys present agreed that the two cases were virtually identical — Rother argued that the case against the agent should be dismissed even if the alleged scheme were true.
—J.c. Hallman, Oklahoman, 27 Feb. 2026
Verb
An au pair who schemed with her employer-turned-lover to kill his wife and another man received a 10-year sentence on Friday.
—CBS News, 13 Feb. 2026
Authorities said the indictment alleges that Richard Murray, 31, and others, used a sweepstakes scheme to induce the primarily elderly victims to provide them with money, a scheme taking place since at least 2018.
—Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 12 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scheme
Noun
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Earlier, police had suggested the pregnancy might have been a ruse to ensure she was sent home.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
26 Feb. 2026
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While the ruse was going, Schreiner lashed out at anyone who was skeptical.—
Kenneal Patterson,
Vanity Fair,
19 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Their findings lead them to uncover a conspiracy, and, most intriguingly, reports of an unidentified flying object.—
Kevin Jacobsen,
Entertainment Weekly,
22 Feb. 2026
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Fifty-year-old Daniel Taylor, a professor of marketing and supply chain management at the university’s Rawls College of Business, faces a charge of conspiracy to distribute or possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, according to the statement.—
Lillie Davidson,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
21 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Manuelito is worried that Chee will flip out if Leaphorn doesn't soon tell him his plans to exit the Navajo Tribal Police and put her in charge.—
Jordan Hoffman,
Entertainment Weekly,
23 Feb. 2026
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The initial plan called for DHS personnel assigned to these programs to be redirected to assist the broader traveling public, as travelers braced for longer lines to clear security.—
Ayesha Ali,
ABC News,
22 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Although both twins are suspected of conspiring to plot the double murder, the DNA on an assault rifle used in one of the later gun battles could only be from one of them.—
Chas Newkey-Burden,
TheWeek,
22 Feb. 2026
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Incensed, Oseguera plotted revenge in 2009 and 2010 with others who were unhappy with Milenio’s new leadership and spearheaded a deadly coup.—
N'dea Yancey-Bragg,
USA Today,
22 Feb. 2026
Noun
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But there are tricks to blending in.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
28 Feb. 2026
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Méliès, a prominent French stage magician who turned to filmmaking after seeing the Lumière brothers in Paris in 1895, pioneered theatrical tricks such as double exposure, black screens and forced perspective.—
Eric Henderson,
CBS News,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Interim executive director David White, former NFLPA president and eventual chief strategy officer JC Tretter and American Conference commissioner Tim Pernetti are on the list, two sources briefed on the matter confirmed to The Athletic.—
Mike Jones,
New York Times,
28 Feb. 2026
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The Oscars Project is part of a new, larger strategy to eventize cultural moments in the community and at the company, launched in 2021 by co-CEO Mariella Satow.—
Abbey White,
IndieWire,
27 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Some business taxes are based on a flat rate per tax period and others are based on the amount of vehicles, machines, devices or equipment used, the number of employees, square footage of the area, seating capacity, or the scale of fees collected, according to Rodriguez’s motion.—
City News Service,
Daily News,
26 Feb. 2026
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According to Cuba’s version, authorities seized assault rifles, handguns, homemade explosive devices — including Molotov cocktails — bulletproof vests, telescopic sights and camouflage uniforms from the vessel.—
Nora Gámez Torres,
Miami Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Lee Schrager, the force behind the two festivals, said the South Beach blueprint remains relevant today.—
J.M. Hirsch,
The Orlando Sentinel,
25 Feb. 2026
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There is still work to be done for McMillan and A&M this season, but Wednesday's game against the Razorbacks serves as a blueprint for what could be possible in Year 2 in Aggieland.—
Tony Catalina,
Austin American Statesman,
25 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scheme. Accessed 2 Mar. 2026.
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