1
as in strategy
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective
there is a contingency plan in the office for handling almost any emergency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
our plan is to finish up by next Friday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance
we planned the school dance down to the smallest detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I plan to have a party for my birthday, even if I have to throw it myself
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of plan
ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
In late March, Gibbs announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
All of these scenarios require slightly different hunting strategies, so plan accordingly.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Noun
As part of his responses, Isaacman indicated support for various programs at NASA, including flying Artemis II and III with the current plan, the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, and more.
—ArsTechnica, 30 Apr. 2025
In late March, Gibbs announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026.
—Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
Across the country, hundreds of rallies were planned by labor unions, student groups and grassroots coalitions, echoing a broader call to prioritize public services over private profits and working families over wealthy elites.
—Thomas Adamson, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2025
All of these scenarios require slightly different hunting strategies, so plan accordingly.
—Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 1 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
-
Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
-
In a memo, the agency called for strategies to improve access to the medications in countries that are low- and middle-income, Reuters summarized.—
Angelica Stabile,
FOXNews.com,
2 May 2025
Noun
-
Among the goals for the renovation are dealing with a backlog of upgrades, meeting building codes and regulations, updating technology, and addressing energy efficiency.—
Jeff Cox,
CNBC,
1 May 2025
-
But the city plans instead to spend $83 million — less than one-third of the goal, and sharply down from the roughly $140 million spent last fiscal year and also budgeted for this year.—
David Garrick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
1 May 2025
Verb
-
The region famously prepares its tea through pan frying and steaming methods, too, which yields unique and vivid expressions.—
Adam Hurly,
Robb Report,
4 May 2025
-
Currently, the world’s cardinals are preparing for the papal conclave this Wednesday, hosting general congregations ahead of the Vatican event that will see the Sistine Chapel’s ceremonial chimney eventually release white smoke in celebration of the election of the 267th pope.—
Natalie Oganesyan,
Deadline,
4 May 2025
Verb
-
The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.—
Scott Paddock,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
-
How is this playing out in 2025? California leaders say that their sanctuary policies are intended to ensure undocumented immigrants can live in their communities without fear of deportation.—
Soumya Karlamangla,
New York Times,
29 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The campaign-season blueprint known as Project 2025 that laid out Trump’s potential agenda highlighted Section 117 as a possible mechanism to claw back federal funding from top schools, including through Pell Grants and Fullbright Scholarships — a move experts say could devastate critical research.—
Sonja Sharp,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Apr. 2025
-
It was designed to be a blueprint, a launching point.—
Amelia Hurley,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.—
Billy Perrigo,
Time,
27 Apr. 2025
-
Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
26 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The program is designed for string students of all ages and skill levels; participants will engage in daily instruction from directors of the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestras, Arkansas Symphony String Academy teachers and other members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.—
Eric E. Harrison,
Arkansas Online,
3 May 2025
-
The wide-field gamma-ray telescope is designed to observe giant magnetar flares and identify elements created within them.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
3 May 2025
Verb
-
And to contemplate if the Leafs will get enough offense from down the lineup, given how well the Panthers shut down the Lightning in their first-round series.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
2 May 2025
-
While looking for Rust and Lucas, Wood contemplates the fate of his own son, who is afflicted by a potentially fatal disease.—
Lovia Gyarkye,
HollywoodReporter,
30 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 9 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share