scheming

[ skee-ming ]

/ ˈski mɪŋ /

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See synonyms for scheming on Thesaurus.com

adjective

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

OTHER WORDS FOR scheming

artful, calculating, cunning.

See synonyms for scheming on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of scheming

First recorded in 1830–40; scheme + -ing²

OTHER WORDS FROM scheming

schem·ing·ly, adverbun·schem·ing, adjective

Words nearby scheming

schematism, schematize, scheme, schemer, schemie, scheming, Schenectady, Schengen Convention, Schepisi, Scherbo, Schererville

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use scheming in a sentence

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.
If you love heroic fantasy a la George R.R. Martin, you’ll love ‘The Last Viking’|Michael Dirda|September 22, 2021|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.
12 female-forward TV shows to fill the ‘Younger’- and ‘Bold Type’-shaped hole in your heart|Inkoo Kang, Sonia Rao, Bethonie Butler|July 9, 2021|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.
This Veteran Paddler Says Teenage Girls Need Adventure|Julie Ellison|April 4, 2021|Outside Online
He was brilliant at scheming but lousy at pulling off schemes.
Little Liddys everywhere: The legacy of a political ‘super-klutz’|Dan Zak|March 31, 2021|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.
In Ghost of Tsushima, Honor Is Your Greatest Foe|Patrick Lucas Austin|July 14, 2020|Time
Meanwhile, Democratic leaders blubber about racism while cynically scheming for a permanent demographic majority.
The Liberal Case Against Illegal Immigration|Doug McIntyre|November 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Even the most sketch-ball, scheming car mechanic knows how much those brake pads cost.
‘Code Black’: An M.D. on How to Fix Our Emergency Room Crisis|Ryan McGarry|June 20, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Cersei, for all her ruthless scheming, has gotten a really raw deal.
Game of Thrones’ Lena Headey on Cersei Lannister’s Future and That Controversial Rape Scene|Marlow Stern|June 17, 2014|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.
The Bloated ‘HIMYM’ Finale Ends Exactly Where We Knew It Would|Amy Zimmerman|April 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Mordred is a slave to his lust for the Queen, finding no outlet for his thwarted energies except in scheming action.
Tolkien’s Unfinished Epic: ‘The Fall of Arthur’|John Garth|May 23, 2013|DAILY BEAST
All her scheming and fencing would have availed her nothing if she were to break down at the critical moment.
Dope|Sax Rohmer
But Diana's mind started upon its scheming journey was now travelling fast.
Mistress Wilding|Rafael Sabatini
She was loyal to pledge and persons, sentimental and faithful; I am loyal to ideas and instincts, emotional and scheming.
The New Machiavelli|Herbert George Wells
She keeps on scheming to find a way to set the rooms in order for her young master, as she still calls him.
Maezli|Johanna Spyri
The missing garments, it seemed clear, had been appropriated by the scheming Trymore.
Motor Matt's Mystery|Stanley R. Matthews

British Dictionary definitions for scheming

scheming

/ (ˈskiːmɪŋ) /

adjective

given to making plots; cunning

noun

intrigues

Derived forms of scheming

schemingly, adverb

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

scheming

OTHER WORDS FOR scheming

Origin of scheming

OTHER WORDS FROM scheming

Words nearby scheming

Words related to scheming

How to use scheming in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for scheming

Derived forms of scheming