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
Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Since then, militaries have attempted a wide variety of schemes, including the intense bombing of cities to compel civilians to rise up and demand their government make whatever concessions necessary to halt the assault.
—Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Bloy Saturday on scheming to defraud, which is a first-degree felony.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Noun
As an election that will determine the fate of democracy looms, the season details the megalomaniacal Homelander’s schemes to gain political power to match his Superman-like abilities.
—Bob Strauss, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2025
Since then, militaries have attempted a wide variety of schemes, including the intense bombing of cities to compel civilians to rise up and demand their government make whatever concessions necessary to halt the assault.
—Robert A. Pape, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025
Verb
Diddy’s ex-girlfriend Cassie, testified about her relationship with the rapper, and Kid Cudi alleged that Diddy schemed a plan to torch his Porsche.
—Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 29 May 2025
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested Bloy Saturday on scheming to defraud, which is a first-degree felony.
—David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 20 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Recent Examples of Synonyms for scheme
Noun
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The police investigation that followed included surveillance and a ruse where investigators answered local prostitution ads and were directed to the home.—
Nate Gartrell,
Mercury News,
16 June 2025
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But this ruse is like the broader trans movement itself, which obliges you to deny the evidence dangling before your own eyes.—
The Editors,
National Review,
4 June 2025
Noun
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Erik Fleming Erik Fleming, a TV director and former acquaintance of Perry's from Los Angeles' Hawthorne neighborhood, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death, per the press release.—
Jordana Comiter,
People.com,
17 June 2025
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Former treatment center director Erik Fleming, who was involved in the fatal dose, entered a guilty plea in August to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine and one count of distribution of ketamine resulting in death.—
Dominic Patten,
Deadline,
16 June 2025
Noun
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The temporary closure comes months after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a 10-year plan to revitalize the cultural behemoth and ultimately save it from ruin, brought on by outdated infrastructure.—
Amaris Encinas,
USA Today,
17 June 2025
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The Justice Department ended over 4,000 positions as part of a sweeping reorganization, including plans to cut 1,500 personnel from the FBI, according to budget documents reviewed by the Washington Examiner.—
Kaelan Deese,
The Washington Examiner,
17 June 2025
Verb
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Sitting around the long table in the Cabinet Room, Netanyahu reminded Trump that Iran had plotted to assassinate him, according to one of the officials who attended the meeting.—
Eric Cortellessa,
Time,
19 June 2025
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The State of Connecticut on Wednesday dropped criminal contempt charges against Michelle Troconis, who’s already serving more than 14 years for helping plot the murder of her then-boyfriend’s estranged wife, Jennifer Farber Dulos.—
Theresa Braine,
New York Daily News,
19 June 2025
Noun
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While the price tag on the devices is modest, a tariff will add to it, and the group is looking to scale aggressively in a short period of time.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
20 June 2025
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That device will operate similarly to the Meta product but better synchronize with the rest of the Apple ecosystem.—
Ani Freedman,
Fortune,
20 June 2025
Noun
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The strategy has led to renovation of tennis grounds for several Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati, Madrid, Rome, Paris and Shanghai.—
Jason Clinkscales,
Sportico.com,
19 June 2025
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Representatives for the Earthquakes declined a request for an interview on further details about the ownership group’s strategy.—
Annika Merrilees,
Sacbee.com,
19 June 2025
Noun
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This isn't the first time the former Sports Illustrated model has shared parenting tips and tricks.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
23 June 2025
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The magic trick is that Sunny gradually learned how to distinguish its POV from the characters’, showing empathy not only for the Gang’s victims, but also the Gang itself.—
Alan Sepinwall,
Rolling Stone,
22 June 2025
Noun
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Rihanna’s business empire follows the same blueprint Baker pioneered, using stardom to control an entire industry.—
Sonari Glinton,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
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But even with Durant’s resurgence as a blueprint, the expectation is caution.—
Kristian Winfield,
Hartford Courant,
23 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/scheme. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.
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