Synonyms of scheme

scheme 1 of 2

noun

ˈskēm 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ruse
• trick
• device
• stratagem
• gambit
• ploy
• sleight of hand
• jig
• gimmick
• fetch
• dodge
• knack
• flimflam
• deception
• bluff
• play
• sleight
• artifice
• wile
• hoax
• subterfuge
• shenanigan
• juggle
• cunning
• trickery
• feint
• duplicity
• swindle
• end run
• swindling
• chicanery
• skulduggery
• cheating
• fraud
• fakery
• jugglery
• sham
• cozenage
• legerdemain
• crookery
• craft
• dupery
• blind
• smoke screen
• front
• gaff

2

as in conspiracy

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

a scheme to kidnap the president's daughter

Synonyms & Similar Words

• conspiracy
• plot
• machination
• strategy
• intrigue
• design
• stratagem
• maneuver
• manipulation
• subterfuge
• trickery
• system
• program
• counterplot
• cabal
• frame-up
• draft
• racket
• contrivance
• ground plan
• counterconspiracy
• dodge
• confederacy
• collusion
• cover-up
• gimmick
• ring
• connivance
• complicity
• trick
• conniving
• artifice
• game
• conspiration

3

as in plan

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

a scheme to upgrade the city's mass transit system

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• strategy
• blueprint
• program
• project
• system
• design
• arrangement
• proposal
• master plan
• game plan
• ground plan
• idea
• game
• road map
• way
• procedure
• recipe
• technique
• plot
• conspiracy
• ruse
• stratagem
• gambit
• intention
• collusion
• purpose
• subterfuge
• intent
• device
• policy
• tactic
• maneuver
• protocol
• contrivance
• means
• aim
• trick
• formula
• conception
• counterplan
• map
• counterstrategy
• setup
• diagram
• platform
• pattern
• layout
• projet
• specific(s)
• specification(s)

scheme

2 of 2

verb

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plot
• plan
• contrive
• conspire
• intrigue
• collude
• connive
• devise
• machinate
• design
• compass
• hatch
• engineer
• put up
• concoct
• counterplot
• manipulate
• maneuver
• shape
• cook (up)
• map
• brew
• lay out
• frame
• jockey

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun scheme contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of scheme are design, plan, plot, and project. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

When would design be a good substitute for scheme?

While the synonyms design and scheme are close in meaning, design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When is it sensible to use plan instead of scheme?

In some situations, the words plan and scheme are roughly equivalent. However, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When is plot a more appropriate choice than scheme?

The synonyms plot and scheme are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

In what contexts can project take the place of scheme?

Although the words project and scheme have much in common, project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of scheme

Noun

The new law further develops criteria to help show an LLC as a shell company involved in a potential tax evasion scheme. — Suhauna Hussain, Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026

The outlet reported that Jamal pocketed hundreds of thousands of dollars from at least six Feeding Our Future associates convicted in connection to the sprawling fraud scheme. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Verb

Also in Toronto, Anton Corbijn’s A Talent for Murder pulls a similar trick, re-imagining the late Patricia Highsmith as a scheming host played by Helen Mirren. — Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2026

Their coach is the scheming Miss Candy (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell from Derry Girls), who has some sort of score to settle with Tassie, though don’t ask me what. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 16 Sep. 2026

Phrases Containing scheme

• scheme (out)