a plan, design, or program of action to be followed; project.

an underhand plot; intrigue.

a visionary or impractical project.

a body or system of related doctrines, theories, etc.

a scheme of philosophy.

any system of correlated things, parts, etc., or the manner of its arrangement.

a plan, program, or policy officially adopted and followed, as by a government or business

The company's pension scheme is very successful.

an analytical or tabular statement.

a diagram, map, or the like.

an astrological diagram of the heavens.

to devise as a scheme; plan; plot; contrive.

to lay schemes; devise plans; plot.

noun

arrangement , blueprint , chart , codification , contrivance , design , device , diagram , disposition , draft , expedient , game plan , layout , order , ordering , outline , pattern , plan , presentation , program , project , proposal , proposition , purpose , schedule , schema , strategy , suggestion , system , tactics , theory , action , angle * , brainchild , cabal , conspiracy , covin , dodge * , frame-up , game , game plan * , gimmick , hookup , hustle , hype * , intrigue , machination , picture * , pitch , ploy , practice , put-up job , ruse , scenario , scene , setup , shift * , story , stratagem , subterfuge , trick * , twist * , idea , collusion , connivance , aim , angle , cadre , collude , concoct , concoction , conspire , contrive , devise , draught , hypothesis , list , machinate , maneuver , plant , plot , trick , web

verb

collude , connive , conspire , intrigue , machinate , blueprint , cast , chart , conceive , contrive , devise , formulate , frame , lay , plan , project , strategize , work out