1
: a plan or program of action
especially
: a crafty or secret one
2
: a systematic or organized configuration : design
color scheme
3
: a concise statement or table : epitome
4
a
: a graphic sketch or outline
b
archaic
(1)
: a mathematical or astronomical diagram
(2)
: a representation of the astrological aspects of the planets at a particular time
schemed; scheming
: to form a scheme for
schemer
noun
Examples of scheme in a Sentence
Noun
a scheme to cheat people out of their money
The company has a new scheme for insurance coverage.
a scheme to improve the economy
the color scheme of a room
Verb
He felt that the other men were scheming against him.
He was betrayed by a scheming friend.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
That includes knowing the scheme in the run game, being violent at the point of attack.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Charna Flam, People.com, 6 May 2025
Together, Henry and Lily navigate suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by Henry’s estranged father.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
The scheme was investigated by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
—Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
That includes knowing the scheme in the run game, being violent at the point of attack.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Verb
Alleged Years-Long Drugging and Theft Scheme Led to Killing of Super Bowl Reporter Adan Manzano
On April 1, ABC News reported that a law enforcement source alleged that the pair had schemed via text message for years to drug and rob victims in multiple jurisdictions.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 6 May 2025
Together, Henry and Lily navigate suffocating traditions, scheming relatives, and the long shadow cast by Henry’s estranged father.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 6 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for scheme
Cite this Entry
“Scheme.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scheme. Accessed 29 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
scheme
1 of 2 noun1
: a pictorial sketch or outline
2
: a brief statement in an outline, table, or list
3
: a plan or program of action
a new scheme for better insurance coverage
especially
: a sly or secret one
a scheme to seize control of the territory
4
: a regular or organized design, arrangement, or pattern
the color scheme of a room
your whole scheme of life
scheme
2 of 2 verb
schemed; scheming
1
: to form a scheme for
2
: to form plans
especially
: to engage in a plot
schemer
noun
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