plan 1 of 2

Definition of plannext

plan

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun plan contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plan are design, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When is design a more appropriate choice than plan?

While in some cases nearly identical to plan, design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When could plot be used to replace plan?

While the synonyms plot and plan are close in meaning, plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is it sensible to use project instead of plan?

In some situations, the words project and plan are roughly equivalent. However, project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to plan?

The synonyms scheme and plan are sometimes interchangeable, but scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

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
Noun
The plan calls for free breakfast for all public school students from kindergarten through 12th grade regardless of their ability to pay. Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 22 Feb. 2026 Councilwoman Sharon Darnell, D-4th, was particularly pointed in her criticisms of the plan. Jim Woods, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
The state is planning to install a video surveillance system at the Soledad prison, which is meant to increase accountability of correctional staff. William Melhado, Sacbee.com, 24 Feb. 2026 Canva plans to incorporate MangoAI into the Canva Grow advertisement generator, which is available through its business tier at $250 per person per year. Jordan Novet, CNBC, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
  • At the same time, the strategy reflects a broader push to diversify beyond conventional lithium-ion platforms while improving safety, cost structure, and supply chain resilience.
    Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 21 Feb. 2026
  • Crucially, community-building was never conceived as a strategy.
    Amy Francombe, Vogue, 20 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Name-calling is juvenile, unhelpful in achieving one's goals, and is a bad example to especially young people.
    Cal Thomas, Arkansas Online, 24 Feb. 2026
  • Terminators programmed to score goals.
    Josh Gross, Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The frozen, single-serve meals can be prepared in a microwave within five minutes or less, which also helps customers save time in the kitchen.
    Emery Glover, Des Moines Register, 22 Feb. 2026
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 22 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Now, association with its past is intended to be a respectful reflection of its history.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • On that occasion, it was worn as a choker, and the outlet reported that it’s not known whether the piece was originally intended to be a choker or a bracelet, but it has been worn mostly as a bracelet in recent years.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 23 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • From this perspective, simply following the same blueprint that has worked during the stock’s comeback over the last few years could yield a similar result.
    Frank Cappelleri, CNBC, 18 Feb. 2026
  • One blueprint for aura farming comes courtesy of a viral video of a boy dancing nonchalantly on a race boat.
    Charles Trepany, USA Today, 17 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Captures and killings of cartel leaders serve a strategic purpose of showing that something is being done, but the effectiveness of such policies in the long run is very limited.
    Angélica Durán-Martínez, The Conversation, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The Idaho Majority Club’s website provided few details on the purpose of the event.
    Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The food and drink As with most of the smaller Parisian hotels, all the food and drink action happens in the same place—the property’s entrance is designed to be a comfortable lounge, bar, and breakfast area.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 Feb. 2026
  • The product is designed for use in retail and home service settings, with capabilities that include delivering items and providing companionship in household environments.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 24 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Nvidia's $30 billion investment in OpenAI is different from what was contemplated in September, but the company could still decide to invest in subsequent rounds that align with that framework, the person said.
    Ashley Capoot, CNBC, 20 Feb. 2026
  • In the play, which begins as historic epic and becomes, for Goethe, increasing personal and interior, Egmont gains perspective on the complexities of his place in politics by contemplating nature and being.
    Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 19 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.

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