1
as in preparing
to work out the details of (something) in advance
we planned the school dance down to the smallest detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in intending
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 planning
Sephora is planning a social content series that will show off the Rockettes’ most famous beauty looks and take people behind the scenes to see what a typical day looks like for these dancers.
—
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
Joshua Jahn, who was unemployed, was planning to move to Oklahoma with their parents, Noah Jahn told the news outlet.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
The film is said to be in its final stages of pre-production, and is planning to begin production in 2026.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
In March, Breeze is also planning to start Thursday and Saturday service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Wednesday and Saturday service to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for planning
Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 Sep. 2025
Joshua Jahn, who was unemployed, was planning to move to Oklahoma with their parents, Noah Jahn told the news outlet.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025
The film is said to be in its final stages of pre-production, and is planning to begin production in 2026.
—Denise Petski, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025
In March, Breeze is also planning to start Thursday and Saturday service between Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina and Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Wednesday and Saturday service to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic.
—Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for planning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for planning
Verb
-
If that fails, scientists suggest preparing a nuclear option.—
Neetika Walter,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Sep. 2025
-
As Hughes is preparing to take the corner, Richards attacks the back-post zone and Munoz dashes towards the near post to occupy Kyle Walker-Peters.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The pressure is on for La Liga leader Real Madrid as the capital colossus hosts third-place Espanyol on Saturday, intending to increase its cushion at the summit.—
Kilty Cleary,
MSNBC Newsweek,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Consider Skydance’s acquisition of Paramount, with CEO David Ellison intending to make major changes at CBS News, possibly by bringing on The Free Press founder Bari Weiss in a leading role at the network.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Lopez spent about two years at Palm Heights, and, as always, began to feel the inexorable draw of designing.—
Ana Karina Zatarain,
New Yorker,
19 Sep. 2025
-
Chinese scientists have paved the way for the country’s green development after successfully designing the world’s first working hydride ion battery, thus opening new possibilities for future energy storage.—
Georgina Jedikovska,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Democrats also are contemplating hosting a midterm convention, as the party looks to boost turnout and raise more money.—
Zac Anderson,
USA Today,
20 Sep. 2025
-
Current investors will need to exercise patience and closely monitor execution, while those contemplating a purchase should carefully assess the risks and avoid chasing short-term momentum.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The college was being reprimanded amid allegations of antisemitism on campus and activism led in part by Mahmoud Khalil, a foreign student organizing against Israel’s war in Gaza.—
Naomi Lim,
The Washington Examiner,
20 Sep. 2025
-
As an engineering problem, AI mimics basic brain functions like memory, recall, organizing information, and learning.—
Bernard Marr,
Forbes.com,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Harris felt Jill Biden never forgave her for going at Biden hard during the 2019 primary debate.—
Sydney Topf,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Sep. 2025
-
The Rams were 3-6 going into the bye week in 2023 and almost knocked off Detroit in the wild card round.—
Jim Alexander,
Oc Register,
23 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The whistleblower complaint alleges that in addition to arranging for fake jobs, LAFS also illegally tied compensation for its sales team to student enrollment.—
Gene Maddaus,
Variety,
23 Sep. 2025
-
To roast pepitas, follow the same initial steps (preheating your oven, tossing them in olive oil and seasonings, and arranging them on a baking sheet).—
Johna Burdeos,
Health,
19 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Michelle Yeoh and Jeff Goldblum return for the follow-up and are seen in the trailer as Madame Morrible and the Wizard, respectively, plotting Elphaba’s demise.—
Mia Galuppo,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Sep. 2025
-
His upper half is running the play while his lower half is plotting an escape route.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
23 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/planning. Accessed 27 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share