A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or otherorganization.
[mainly British]
...schemes to help combat unemployment.
...a private pension scheme.
The company was pouring around $30 million into the scheme.
regional note: in AM, use program
Synonyms: plan, programme, strategy, system More Synonyms of scheme
2. countable noun [oft NOUN to-infinitive]
A scheme is someone's plan for achieving something.
...a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer.
They would first have to work out some scheme for getting the treasure out.
Tourists can be vulnerable to scams and con schemes of all kinds.
[Also + for]
3. verb [oft cont]
If you say that people are scheming, you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves.
[disapproval]
Everyone's always scheming and plotting. [VERB]
The bride's family were scheming to prevent a wedding. [VERB to-infinitive]
They claimed that their opponents were scheming against them. [VERB + against]
You're a scheming little devil, aren't you? [VERB-ing]
Synonyms: plot, plan, intrigue, manoeuvre More Synonyms of scheme
scheminguncountable noun
...their favourite pastimes of scheming and gossiping.
Synonyms: calculating, cunning, sly, designing More Synonyms of scheme
4. See also colour scheme, pension scheme
5.
See scheme of things
6.
See the scheme of things the grand scheme of things
More Synonyms of scheme
scheme in British English
(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. mainly British
a plan formally adopted by a commercial enterprise or governmental body, as for pensions, etc
8. mainly Scottish
an area of housing that is laid out esp by a local authority; estate
verb
9. (transitive)
to devise a system for
10.
to form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
Derived forms
schemer (ˈschemer)
noun
Word origin
C16: from Latin schema, from Greek skhēma form
scheme in American English
(skim)
noun
1.
a.
a carefully arranged and systematic program of action for attaining some object or end
b.
a secret or underhanded plan; plot
c.
a visionary plan or project
2.
an orderly combination of things on a definite plan; system
a color scheme
3.
an outline or diagram showing different parts or elements of an object or system
4.
an analysis or summary in outline or tabular form
5.
an astrological diagram
verb transitiveWord forms: schemed or ˈscheming
6.
to make a scheme for; plan as a scheme; devise
7.
to plan in a deceitful way; plot
verb intransitive
8.
to make schemes; form plans
9.
to plot; intrigue
SIMILAR WORDS: plan
Derived forms
schemer (ˈschemer)
noun
Word origin
L schema < Gr schēma (gen. schēmatos), a form, appearance, plan, akin to schein, echein, to hold, have < IE base *seĝh-, to hold, hold fast, conquer > school1, Sans sáhas, power, victory, Goth sigis, Ger sieg, victory
COBUILD Collocations
scheme
affordable scheme
ambitious scheme
controversial scheme
innovative scheme
new scheme
similar scheme
Examples of 'scheme' in a sentence
scheme
IT'S good to see car firms setting up schemes to help young drivers learn.
The Sun (2013)
People in various civilizations have attempted to devise schemes to look beyond the present.
Stearns, Peter N. World History: Patterns of Change and Continuity (1995)
But are these complex and not always accessible schemes a wise first step?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
What happens when a company offering a defined benefit scheme gets into trouble?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Three quarters of people in such schemes work in the public sector.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Savers would have to apply to the foreign scheme first.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
The government has introduced transitional arrangements for schemes already in force on budget day.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
One may also question the degree of attrition imposed upon an attacker by an area defence scheme.
McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)
Measures to speed up the planning process for schemes will be welcomed by business.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
You can put in the practical work that turns dream schemes into action.
The Sun (2006)
The government does not intend to open a new seasonal workers scheme.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Wonder what colour scheme she might be thinking of?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Industry leaders are hoping the scheme will help to put them on the map.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It was a scheme devised by an unknown power.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He is not against the idea of a government savings scheme but prefers to rely on his own plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Their redundancy protection scheme means you get your deposit back if you lose your job before the holiday balance is paid.
The Sun (2011)
There is no affordable housing in the scheme but this would most likely be provided on an alternative site in the borough.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
He said that 85 per cent of major company schemes required additional cash.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
What will happen to government schemes for first-time buyers?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are many conservation schemes around the world that parachute in expertise from richer nations and dispense wisdom to the locals on how to nurture their environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Quotations
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gleyRobert BurnsTo a Mouse
In other languages
scheme
British English: scheme /skiːm/ NOUN
A scheme is a plan or arrangement, especially one produced by a government or other organization.
...schemes to help fight unemployment.
American English: program plan
Arabic: خِطَّة
Brazilian Portuguese: esquema
Chinese: 计划
Croatian: shema
Czech: systém
Danish: plan program
Dutch: programma
European Spanish: plan
Finnish: suunnitelma
French: plan politique
German: Plan
Greek: σχέδιο
Italian: piano
Japanese: 計画
Korean: 계획
Norwegian: handlingsplan
Polish: plan projekt
European Portuguese: esquema
Romanian: schemă
Russian: схема
Latin American Spanish: plan
Swedish: plan metod
Thai: แผนการ
Turkish: plan
Ukrainian: схема
Vietnamese: kế hoạch
British English: scheme NOUN
A scheme is someone's plan for achieving something, especially something that will bring them some benefit.
...a quick money-making scheme to get us through the summer.
American English: scheme
Brazilian Portuguese: esquema
Chinese: 计划
European Spanish: plan
French: plan
German: Plan
Italian: piano
Japanese: 計画
Korean: 계획
European Portuguese: esquema
Latin American Spanish: plan
British English: scheme VERB
If you say that people are scheming, you mean that they are making secret plans in order to gain something for themselves.
Everyone's always scheming and plotting.
...thinking and scheming years into the future.
American English: scheme
Brazilian Portuguese: fazer esquema
Chinese: 计划
European Spanish: maquinar
French: manigancer
German: intrigieren
Italian: complottare
Japanese: 策略を立てる
Korean: 책략을 꾸미다
European Portuguese: fazer esquema
Latin American Spanish: maquinar
All related terms of 'scheme'
new scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
bonus scheme
a scheme in a company or other organization according to which employees receive a bonus if they meet specified targets
color scheme
In a room or house, the color scheme is the way in which colors have been used to decorate it.
colour scheme
In a room or house, the colour scheme is the way in which colours have been used to decorate it.
pilot scheme
a small-scale experiment or set of observations undertaken to decide how and whether to launch a full-scale project
Ponzi scheme
a fraudulent investment operation that pays quick returns to initial contributors using money from subsequent contributors rather than profit
rhyme scheme
the pattern or arrangement of rhymes within a poem or verse
housing scheme
a local-authority housing plan
marking scheme
a plan or guidelines used in the marking of school children's or students' written work by teaching staff
pension scheme
A pension scheme is the same as a → pension plan .
pyramid scheme
a moneymaking scheme in which revenues are derived chiefly by recruiting increasingly larger groups of new salespeople or investors, each of whom pays for the right to recruit others in turn
similar scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
training scheme
a scheme for teaching people skills in a particular field or profession
affordable scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
ambitious scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
incentive scheme
an arrangement under which additional payments are made to employees as a means of increasing production
innovative scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
insurance scheme
a scheme that provides insurance
recycling scheme
a scheme enabling the public to recycle waste
top-hat scheme
a pension scheme for the senior executives of an organization
controversial scheme
A scheme is a plan or arrangement involving many people which is made by a government or other organization.
scheme of things
Someone's scheme of things is the way in which they think that things in their life should be organized .
job creation scheme
a governmental scheme to increase the number of jobs in an area, organization, etc
profit-sharing scheme
a scheme employing profit-sharing ; a system in which a portion of the net profit of a business is distributed to its employees , usually in proportion to their wages or their length of service
Youth Training Scheme
(formerly, in Britain ) a scheme , run by the Training Agency , to provide vocational training for unemployed 16–17-year-olds
get-rich-quick scheme
a scheme that promises to make a person extremely wealthy over a short period of time, often at with little effort and at no risk
graduated pension scheme
(between 1961 and 1975) an earnings-related pension scheme which was based on the amount of an employee's National Insurance contributions
Enterprise Allowance Scheme
(formerly in Britain ) a scheme to provide a weekly allowance to an unemployed person who wishes to set up a business and is willing to invest a specified amount in it during its first year
Enterprise Investment Scheme
(in Britain) a scheme to provide tax relief on investments in certain small companies: came into operation in 1994, when it replaced the Business Expansion Scheme
Training Opportunities Scheme
a former government scheme offering vocational training to unemployed people
literacy project
a project , plan or scheme to increase literacy in a country, area, etc
Crossroads care attendant scheme
(in Britain ) a service providing paid attendants for disabled people who need continuous supervision
the scheme of things the grand scheme of things
When people talk about the scheme of things or the grand scheme of things , they are referring to the way that everything in the world seems to be organized .
Chinese translation of 'scheme'
scheme
(skiːm)
n(c)
(esp Brit) 计(計)划(劃) (jìhuà) (个(個), gè)
美 = program
(= plan) 方案 (fāng'àn) (个(個), gè)
vi
图(圖)谋(謀) (túmóu)
1 (noun)
Definition
a systematic plan for a course of action
a private pension scheme
Synonyms
plan
She met her creditors to propose a plan for making repayments.
programme
the programme for reform outlined by the Soviet President
strategy
the basic principles of my strategy
system
design
They drew up the design in a week.
project
a local development project
theory
He produced a theory about historical change.
proposal
the government's proposals to abolish free health care
device
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
tactics
course of action
contrivance
It is nothing more than a contrivance to raise prices.
2 (noun)
Definition
a secret plot
a quick money-making scheme
Synonyms
plot
a plot to overthrow the government
dodge
It was probably just a dodge to stop you going away.
ploy
a cynical marketing ploy
ruse
This was a ruse to divide them.
game (informal)
All right, what's your little game?
shift
intrigue
the plots and intrigues in the novel
conspiracy
Many people believe there was a conspiracy to kill President Kennedy in 1963.
manoeuvre
manoeuvres to block the electoral process
machinations
subterfuge
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.
stratagem
a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty
3 (noun)
Definition
a chart, diagram, or outline
Synonyms
diagram
a diagram showing the workings of the engine
system
a multi-party system of government
pattern
a sewing pattern
schedule
arrangement
an imaginative flower arrangement
chart
The chart below shows the results of our survey.
draft
I rewrote his first draft.
outline
an outline of a plan to reduce the country's national debt
blueprint
the blueprint of a new plan of economic reform
layout
He tried to recall the layout of the farmhouse.
disposition
schema
codification
1 (verb)
Definition
to plan in an underhand manner
Everyone's always scheming and plotting.
Synonyms
plot
They are awaiting trial for plotting against the state.
plan
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.
intrigue
The main characters spend their time intriguing for control.
manoeuvre
He manoeuvred his way to the top.
conspire
I had a persecution complex and thought people were conspiring against me.
contrive
Somehow he contrived to pass her a note without the teacher seeing it.
collude
Several local officials are in jail on charges of colluding with criminal gangs.
wheel and deal
machinate
2 (verb)
Synonyms
plan
The company is planning a theme park on the site.
design
We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs.
project
His projected visit to Washington had to be postponed.
imagine
He could not imagine a more peaceful scene.
frame
A convention was set up to frame a constitution.
work out
devise
We devised a scheme to help him.
contrive
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
lay plans
Quotation
The best laid schemes o' mice an' men Gang aft a-gley [Robert Burns – To a Mouse]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of arrangement
Definition
the form in which things are arranged
an imaginative flower arrangement
Synonyms
display,
grouping,
system,
order,
ordering,
design,
ranging,
structure,
rank,
organization,
exhibition,
line-up,
presentation,
array,
marshalling,
classification,
disposition (archaic),
alignment,
setup (informal)
in the sense of blueprint
Definition
an original description of a plan or idea that explains how it is expected to work
the blueprint of a new plan of economic reform
Synonyms
scheme,
plan,
design,
system,
idea,
programme,
proposal,
strategy,
pattern,
suggestion,
procedure,
plot,
draft,
outline,
sketch,
proposition,
prototype,
layout,
pilot scheme
in the sense of chart
Definition
a graph, table, or sheet of information in the form of a diagram
The chart below shows the results of our survey.
Synonyms
table,
diagram,
blueprint,
graph,
tabulation,
plan,
map
Synonyms of 'scheme'
scheme
Explore 'scheme' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of collude
Definition
to cooperate secretly or dishonestly with someone
Several local officials are in jail on charges of colluding with criminal gangs.
Synonyms
conspire,
scheme,
plot,
intrigue,
collaborate,
contrive,
abet,
connive,
be in cahoots (informal),
machinate,
complot
in the sense of conspiracy
Definition
the act of making such plans
Many people believe there was a conspiracy to kill President Kennedy in 1963.
Synonyms
plot,
scheme,
intrigue,
collusion,
confederacy,
cabal,
frame-up (slang),
machination,
league,
golden circle
in the sense of conspire
Definition
to plan a crime together in secret
I had a persecution complex and thought people were conspiring against me.
Synonyms
plot,
scheme,
intrigue,
devise,
manoeuvre,
contrive,
confederate,
cabal,
machinate,
plan,
hatch treason
in the sense of contrivance
Definition
an elaborate or deceitful plan
It is nothing more than a contrivance to raise prices.
Synonyms
stratagem,
plan,
design,
measure,
scheme,
trick,
plot,
dodge,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
machination,
intrigue
in the sense of contrive
Somehow he contrived to pass her a note without the teacher seeing it.
Synonyms
manage,
succeed,
arrange,
manoeuvre
in the sense of contrive
Definition
to devise or construct ingeniously
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
fabricate,
create,
design,
scheme,
engineer,
frame,
manufacture,
plot,
construct,
invent,
improvise,
concoct,
wangle (informal),
effect,
bring about,
hit upon
in the sense of design
Definition
a sketch, plan, or preliminary drawing
They drew up the design in a week.
Synonyms
plan,
drawing,
model,
scheme,
proposal,
draft,
outline,
representation,
sketch,
prototype,
blueprint,
depiction,
delineation,
scale drawing
in the sense of design
Definition
to plan and make (something) artistically
We may be able to design a course to suit your particular needs.
Synonyms
create,
make,
plan,
project,
fashion,
scheme,
propose,
invent,
devise,
tailor,
draw up,
conceive,
originate,
contrive,
fabricate,
think up
in the sense of device
Definition
a scheme or plan
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
Synonyms
ploy,
scheme,
strategy,
plan,
design,
project,
shift,
trick,
manoeuvre,
stunt,
dodge,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
gambit,
stratagem,
wile
in the sense of devise
Definition
to work out (something) in one's mind
We devised a scheme to help him.
Synonyms
work out,
plan,
form,
design,
imagine,
frame,
arrange,
plot,
construct,
invent,
conceive,
formulate,
contrive,
dream up,
concoct,
think up
Additional synonyms
in the sense of dodge
Definition
a cunning and deceitful trick
It was probably just a dodge to stop you going away.
Synonyms
trick,
scheme,
ploy,
trap,
device,
fraud,
con (slang),
manoeuvre,
deception,
scam (slang),
gimmick,
hoax,
wheeze (British, slang),
deceit,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
canard,
feint,
stratagem,
contrivance,
machination,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of draft
Definition
a preliminary outline of a letter, book, or speech
I rewrote his first draft.
Synonyms
outline,
plan,
sketch,
version,
rough,
abstract,
blueprint,
main points,
delineation,
preliminary form
in the sense of frame
Definition
to create and develop (plans or a policy)
A convention was set up to frame a constitution.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
form,
shape,
institute,
draft,
compose,
sketch,
forge,
put together,
conceive,
hatch,
draw up,
formulate,
contrive,
map out,
concoct,
cook up,
block out
in the sense of game
Definition
a trick or scheme
All right, what's your little game?
Synonyms
scheme,
plan,
design,
strategy,
trick,
plot,
tactic,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
ploy,
scam,
stratagem,
fastie (Australian, slang)
in the sense of imagine
Definition
to form a mental image of
He could not imagine a more peaceful scene.
Synonyms
envisage,
see,
picture,
plan,
create,
project,
think of,
scheme,
frame,
invent,
devise,
conjure up,
envision,
visualize,
dream up (informal),
think up,
conceive of,
conceptualize,
fantasize about,
see in the mind's eye,
form a mental picture of,
ideate
in the sense of intrigue
Definition
secret plotting
the plots and intrigues in the novel
Synonyms
plot,
scheme,
conspiracy,
manoeuvre,
manipulation,
collusion,
ruse,
trickery,
cabal,
stratagem,
double-dealing,
chicanery,
sharp practice,
wile,
knavery (old-fashioned),
machination
in the sense of intrigue
Definition
to plot secretly or dishonestly
The main characters spend their time intriguing for control.
Synonyms
plot,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
conspire,
connive,
machinate
in the sense of layout
Definition
the arrangement or plan of something, such as a building
He tried to recall the layout of the farmhouse.
Synonyms
arrangement,
design,
draft,
outline,
format,
plan,
formation,
geography
in the sense of manoeuvre
Definition
a contrived, complicated, and possibly deceptive plan or action
manoeuvres to block the electoral process
Synonyms
stratagem,
move,
plan,
action,
movement,
scheme,
trick,
plot,
tactic,
intrigue,
dodge,
ploy,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
machination
in the sense of manoeuvre
Definition
to manipulate a situation in order to gain some advantage
He manoeuvred his way to the top.
Synonyms
scheme,
plot,
plan,
intrigue,
wangle (informal),
machinate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of outline
Definition
a drawing showing only the external lines of an object
an outline of a plan to reduce the country's national debt
Synonyms
draft,
plan,
drawing,
frame,
tracing,
rough,
framework,
sketch,
skeleton,
layout,
delineation,
preliminary form
in the sense of pattern
Definition
a plan or diagram used as a guide to making something
a sewing pattern
Synonyms
plan,
design,
original,
guide,
instructions,
diagram,
stencil,
template
in the sense of ploy
Definition
a manoeuvre designed to gain an advantage in a situation
a cynical marketing ploy
Synonyms
tactic,
move,
trick,
device,
game,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
ruse,
gambit,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
contrivance,
wile
in the sense of programme
the programme for reform outlined by the Soviet President
Synonyms
plan,
scheme,
strategy,
procedure,
project,
plan of action
in the sense of project
Definition
a proposal or plan
a local development project
Synonyms
scheme,
plan,
job,
idea,
design,
programme,
campaign,
operation,
activity,
proposal,
venture,
enterprise,
undertaking,
occupation,
proposition,
plan of action
in the sense of project
His projected visit to Washington had to be postponed.
Synonyms
plan,
propose,
design,
scheme,
purpose,
frame,
draft,
outline,
devise,
contemplate,
contrive,
map out
in the sense of proposal
Definition
a suggestion put forward for consideration
the government's proposals to abolish free health care
Synonyms
suggestion,
plan,
programme,
scheme,
offer,
terms,
design,
project,
bid,
motion,
recommendation,
tender,
presentation,
proposition,
overture,
proffer
in the sense of ruse
Definition
an action or plan intended to mislead someone
This was a ruse to divide them.
Synonyms
trick,
deception,
ploy,
hoax,
device,
manoeuvre,
dodge,
sham,
artifice,
blind,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
wile,
imposture (formal)
in the sense of shift
Definition
a method or scheme
Synonyms
scheme,
move,
resource,
trick,
device,
craft,
dodge,
evasion,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
stratagem,
contrivance,
equivocation,
wile
in the sense of stratagem
Definition
a clever plan to deceive an enemy
a competitive stratagem to secure customer loyalty
Synonyms
trick,
scheme,
manoeuvre,
plan,
plot,
device,
intrigue,
dodge,
ploy,
ruse,
artifice,
subterfuge,
feint,
wile,
tactic,
gambit
Additional synonyms
in the sense of strategy
Definition
a long-term plan for success, such as in politics or business
the basic principles of my strategy
Synonyms
plan,
approach,
scheme,
manoeuvring,
grand design
in the sense of subterfuge
Definition
a trick or deception used to achieve an objective
Most people can see right through that type of subterfuge.
Synonyms
trick,
dodge,
ploy,
shift,
manoeuvre,
deception,
evasion,
pretence,
pretext,
ruse,
artifice,
duplicity,
stratagem,
deviousness,
machination
in the sense of system
Definition
any scheme or set of rules used to classify, explain, or calculate
a multi-party system of government
Synonyms
arrangement,
structure,
organization,
scheme,
combination,
classification,
coordination,
setup (informal)
in the sense of theory
Definition
a set of ideas, based on evidence and careful reasoning, which offers an explanation of how something works or why something happens, but has not been completely proved