scheme
13 synonyms for scheme, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A plan for how to do something, especially an organized or official one.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A plan for how to do something, especially an organized or official one.
“The council launched a new recycling scheme for the whole town.”
How to use scheme
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
pension scheme
pyramid scheme
scheme to defraud
color scheme
Etymology
From Medieval Latin schēma ("figure, form"), from Greek skhēma, related to a word meaning "to hold". A doublet of "schema".
Full origin of scheme →Frequently asked questions
What does “scheme” mean?
The word “scheme” means a plan for how to do something, especially an organized or official one. In plain terms, a plan — can be neutral (like a pension scheme) or shady (like a scam).
How do you pronounce “scheme”?
“Scheme” is pronounced skeem (/skiːm/ in IPA).
How do you use “scheme” in a sentence?
Here is “scheme” used in a sentence: “The council launched a new recycling scheme for the whole town.”
What is another word for “scheme”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scheme” include hatch and intrigue.
What part of speech is “scheme”?
Depending on how it is used, “scheme” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “scheme” come from?
The word “scheme” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin schēma ("figure, form"), from Greek skhēma, related to a word meaning "to hold". A doublet of "schema".
Is “scheme” a common word?
“Scheme” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “scheme” have?
“Scheme” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plan for how to do something, especially an organized or official one.
What is the difference between a scheme and a plan?
A plan is any set of steps for achieving something. A scheme is usually a more organised or official plan, often large in scale — a government scheme, a pension scheme. In British English 'scheme' is neutral, but in American English it often implies something sneaky or dishonest.
Does 'scheme' have a negative meaning?
It depends on the variety of English. In British English, a scheme is usually a neutral or positive organised plan, like a recycling scheme. In American English, 'scheme' more often suggests a crafty or dishonest plot. Context and region decide whether the word is neutral or carries suspicion.
What are the types of scheme?
The word covers many organised plans: government schemes for housing or welfare, pension and savings schemes, colour schemes for design, and grand schemes or plots in the crafty sense. What links them is structure — a scheme is an arranged system or plan rather than a vague idea.
What is an example of a scheme?
A pension scheme, which sets out an organised plan for saving toward retirement, is a common example. Others include a government recycling scheme, a loyalty scheme at a shop, or a colour scheme that plans how shades work together in a room.
