scheming

[ skee-ming ]

adjective

1. given to making plans, especially sly and underhand ones; crafty.

   Synonyms: cunning, calculating, artful

scheming

/ ˈskiːmɪŋ /

adjective

1. given to making plots; cunning

noun

1. intrigues

Derived Forms

• ˈschemingly, adverb

Other Words From

• scheming·ly adverb
• un·scheming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scheming¹

First recorded in 1830–40; scheme + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Harald Hardrada, the 11th-century Norse adventurer of Don Hollway’s “The Last Viking,” led an iron-hammered life of struggle, travel, scheming and violence.

From Washington Post

The original “Gossip Girl” requires a certain suspension of disbelief, after which its six seasons of scheming, backstabbing and making up fly right by.

From Washington Post

Now Warren’s goal is to encourage teenage girls to think critically about what they actually want in life—and how scheming adventures can help them get it.

From Outside Online

He was brilliant at scheming but lousy at pulling off schemes.

From Washington Post

All of the plotting, scheming, and sneaking lends itself perfectly to the narrative of a man compromising his own morals for the greater good.

From Time

Meanwhile, Democratic leaders blubber about racism while cynically scheming for a permanent demographic majority.

From The Daily Beast

Even the most sketch-ball, scheming car mechanic knows how much those brake pads cost.

From The Daily Beast

Cersei, for all her ruthless scheming, has gotten a really raw deal.

From The Daily Beast

Luckily, this show is way more fun—it features lots of sex, elaborate scheming, and the quick quips HIMYM used to be known for.

From The Daily Beast

Mordred is a slave to his lust for the Queen, finding no outlet for his thwarted energies except in scheming action.

From The Daily Beast

All her scheming and fencing would have availed her nothing if she were to break down at the critical moment.

From Project Gutenberg

But Diana's mind started upon its scheming journey was now travelling fast.

From Project Gutenberg

She was loyal to pledge and persons, sentimental and faithful; I am loyal to ideas and instincts, emotional and scheming.

From Project Gutenberg

She keeps on scheming to find a way to set the rooms in order for her young master, as she still calls him.

From Project Gutenberg

The missing garments, it seemed clear, had been appropriated by the scheming Trymore.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• calculating
• conniving
• crafty
• duplicitous
• wily