nefarious schemes

Villainous master plans

Nefarious schemes are wicked or villainous plans, typically involving deception or criminal activity.

The phrase has a theatrical quality, suggesting elaborate plotting rather than simple wrongdoing: The detective uncovered the corporation's nefarious schemes.

Often used with ironic exaggeration for minor mischief: What nefarious schemes are you two cooking up?

deviousUnderhanded and calculating
sinisterThreateningly suggestive of harm
plotStoryline or land parcel
conspiracyClandestine coordinated scheming
villainWicked story antagonist

evil plan · criminal mastermind · mastermind · world domination · treachery · wicked · cunning · machinations · pulling strings · diabolical · underhanded · under the table · shadowy · behind closed doors · conniving · malevolent · skulduggery · intrigue

Opposites

moral intent

nefarious schemeshumanitarian efforts

Organized assistance for those suffering

good works · rescue operations · mercy missions · relief efforts · good deeds

transparency and legitimacy

nefarious schemesethical business

Commerce following moral principles

legal proceedings

transparency/secrecy

nefarious schemespublic programs

Government-run community initiatives

Family

nefarious, nefariously, nefariousness, scheme, schemes, schemer, schemers, scheming, schemed

Familiarity: Top 200,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Negative · Everyday, not technical · Rated PG