scheme

[ skeem ]

noun

1. a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.
2. an underhand plot; intrigue.

   Synonyms: conspiracy, cabal, stratagem

3. a visionary or impractical project.
4. a body or system of related doctrines, theories, etc.:

   a scheme of philosophy.

5. any system of correlated things, parts, etc., or the manner of its arrangement.

   Synonyms: schema, pattern

6. a plan, program, or policy officially adopted and followed, as by a government or business:

   The company's pension scheme is very successful.

7. an analytical or tabular statement.
8. a diagram, map, or the like.
9. an astrological diagram of the heavens.

verb (used with object)

, schemed, schem·ing.

1. to devise as a scheme; conspire; plot; contrive.

verb (used without object)

, schemed, schem·ing.

1. to lay schemes; devise plans; plot.

scheme

/ skiːm /

noun

1. a systematic plan for a course of action
2. a systematic arrangement of correlated parts; system
3. a secret plot
4. a visionary or unrealizable project
5. a chart, diagram, or outline
6. an astrological diagram giving the aspects of celestial bodies at a particular time
7. a plan formally adopted by a commercial enterprise or governmental body, as for pensions, etc
8. an area of housing that is laid out esp by a local authority; estate

verb

1. tr to devise a system for
2. to form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner

Derived Forms

• ˈschemer, noun

Other Words From

• scheme·less adjective
• schem·er noun
• out·scheme verb (used with object) outschemed outscheming
• sub·scheme noun
• un·der·scheme noun
• un·schemed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scheme¹

First recorded in 1545–55; from Medieval Latin schēma (stem schēmat- ), from Greek schêma “form, figure”

Word History and Origins

Origin of scheme¹

C16: from Latin schema, from Greek skhēma form

Idioms and Phrases

see best-laid plans (schemes) .

Synonym Study

See plan. See plot.

Example Sentences

But the tough carbon-fluorine bonds in the compounds resist being torn apart, leading to expensive remediation schemes that rely on powerful chemicals and high temperatures and pressures.

From Science Magazine

"Again, the Rwanda scheme was an expensive distraction," she told MPs.

From BBC

The UK Labour government has also said it is exploring ways to improve the effectiveness of a scheme that allows foreign nationals leave prisons in England and Wales before their sentence is finished.

From BBC

The Harrods compensation scheme is only open to people who worked for the company.

From BBC

The Los Angeles Police Department recently arrested two suspects in connection with a serial “kidnap for robbery” scheme and are searching for additional victims.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• arrangement
• blueprint
• design
• device
• game plan
• pattern
• plan
• program
• project
• proposal
• strategy
• system
• theory