schemer

American  

[skee-mer] / ˈski mər /

noun

1. someone who devises plans or plots, especially underhanded ones.

   She is one of the memorable characters in literature, a born schemer and social climber unencumbered by any need to tell the truth.

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Etymology

Origin of schemer

scheme ( def. ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

schemer

Duer was also an inveterate speculator and get-rich-quick schemer: “king of the alley,” as Thomas Jefferson derisively referred External link to Wall Street.

From Barron's ● Mar. 1, 2026

Once again, a boy from here teams up with a girl from there to defeat a villainous schemer bent on cruel domination.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025

This platinum-haired schemer and scene-stealer often dressed head to toe in white and is as smart as he is smug.

From Salon ● Sep. 26, 2025

The archetypal spin doctor, his reputation as a behind-the scenes fixer, schemer and schmoozer earned him the nickname, "the Prince of Darkness".

From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2025

In order to get the things I want, it helps me to pretend I'm a figure in a daytime drama, a schemer.

From "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris

Related Words

• rascal
• rogue