Synonyms of schemes

schemes 1 of 2

noun

plural of scheme

1

as in ruses

a clever often underhanded means to achieve an end

an e-mail scheme to trick unwary Internet users into disclosing passwords and financial information

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruses
• devices
• tricks
• stratagems
• artifices
• gambits
• ploys
• shenanigans
• wiles
• sleights of hand
• jigs
• sleights
• gimmicks
• dodges
• plays
• juggles
• knacks
• fetches
• deceptions
• subterfuges
• trickeries
• bluffs
• duplicities
• flimflams
• chicaneries
• hoaxes
• feints
• frauds
• swindles
• end runs
• cunnings
• crafts
• juggleries
• duperies
• fakeries
• skulduggeries
• cozenages
• crookeries
• fronts
• legerdemains
• gaffs
• smoke screens
• shams
• blinds

2

as in plots

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

a scheme to kidnap the president's daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plots
• conspiracies
• machinations
• intrigues
• strategies
• designs
• subterfuges
• trickeries
• manipulations
• stratagems
• maneuvers
• counterplots
• artifices
• programs
• systems
• contrivances
• cabals
• frame-ups
• rackets
• confederacies
• dodges
• counterconspiracies
• collusions
• drafts
• ground plans
• gimmicks
• tricks
• complicities
• rings
• cover-ups
• games
• connivances
• conspirations

3

as in plans

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

a scheme to upgrade the city's mass transit system

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plans
• strategies
• blueprints
• programs
• projects
• systems
• designs
• arrangements
• proposals
• games
• ideas
• ways
• procedures
• master plans
• techniques
• recipes
• ground plans
• devices
• game plans
• plots
• road maps
• policies
• tactics
• purposes
• conspiracies
• intentions
• stratagems
• maneuvers
• protocols
• subterfuges
• specifications
• contrivances
• intents
• ruses
• means
• collusions
• tricks
• aims
• maps
• gambits
• formulas
• conceptions
• counterplans
• patterns
• diagrams
• platforms
• counterstrategies
• setups
• specifics
• layouts
• projets

schemes

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of scheme

as in intrigues

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plots
• plans
• intrigues
• connives
• conspires
• contrives
• colludes
• devises
• designs
• engineers
• machinates
• hatches
• concocts
• maps
• maneuvers
• compasses
• counterplots
• manipulates
• shapes
• brews
• cooks (up)
• puts up
• frames
• jockeys
• lays out

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of schemes

Noun

Something common to the plans and schemes of crypto-anarchists is a certain Rube Goldberg fussiness. — Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026

His speed can be an asset in run and pass schemes, with Rowe displaying the cutting ability to turn a five-yard grab into a 20-yard gain and the catch radius and high-point ability to make contested catches down the field. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026

After finishing last season 5-12, Washington appointed new coordinators, adopted new schemes, invested heavily in its defensive front and tried to give quarterback Jayden Daniels more offensive playmakers. — Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026

After three weeks of acclimating to the South Florida heat and installing new schemes, the focus has shifted toward preparation for its season opener, when the Panthers travel to Tampa to face the USF Bulls. — Alejandro Hernandez, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Katz also issued a warning to anyone who may be participating in similar schemes, including medical providers and attorneys who facilitate fraudulent claims, saying prosecutors will continue pursuing those involved. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

The plea agreement includes two counts of fraudulent schemes, one count of perjury, and one count of taking the identity of another. — Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Fake loan forgiveness programs and schemes that redirect borrowers' monthly payments away from their legitimate servicer remain common, Kantrowitz says. — Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026

Along the way, there are before-and-after floor plans, garden schemes, and a recipe for Meyers Family Hot Fudge. — Ingrid Abramovitch, Architectural Digest, 25 Aug. 2026

Verb

Marty, who was loosely based on real-life ping-pong legend Marty Reisman, schemes his way to competitions across the globe and hustles for pocket cash. — Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Mar. 2026

Joy Randolph, follows a desperate gallery owner (Portman) who schemes to sell a dead man as art at Art Basel in Miami. — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 26 Jan. 2026

Chalamet embodies Marty’s arrant showmanship with an evident joy in performance, exactly as Marty himself schemes not only shamelessly but jubilantly. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025

Matthew quickly schemes his way into Oliver’s orbit after that first performance, impressing and rankling the group of lackeys in his entourage at the same time. — Eric Torres, Pitchfork, 27 Aug. 2025