schemer

[skee-mer]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of schemer¹

scheme ( def. ) + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Efforts around the country to prosecute even those low-level schemers, cheaters and 2020 election miscreants have produced mixed results.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

But Rachel is no shrinking violet, holding her own against lowlifes and schemers while navigating the movie’s unexpected turns, shocking violence and wrenching tension.

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It seems my father and my pooch, two savvy schemers, had hatched a plan back in Charlotte.

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

Read more on Salon

But Lee’s also a schemer whose griminess is his superpower.

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Related Words

• rascal 
• rogue