plan 1 of 2

plan

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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 routes connect smaller airports across the U.S. and are part of Breeze's rapid growth plan to meet travel demand. Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2025 Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is seeking to steer Trump away from backing any Israeli military strike on Iran, wary of a wider conflict that could destabilize the Gulf and derail economic plans, Bloomberg reported. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
Verb
But experts warn that unless Americans start planning for longer lives now—incorporating realistic longevity assumptions, controlling debt, and boosting retirement savings—the growing population of centenarians may be financially worse off than ever. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 May 2025 World & Nation Trump plans to announce that the U.S. will call the Persian Gulf the Arabian Gulf, officials say May 7, 2025 Though the deals appear gargantuan, experts say financial realities will cut them down to size. Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
  • And some experts worry that the recent decline could be slowed or stopped by reductions in federal funding and the public health workforce, or a shift away from the strategies that seem to be working.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Chicago Tribune, 14 May 2025
  • The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee responded to the GOP’s strategy by pointing to Trump.
    Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 14 May 2025
Noun
  • Amid uncertainty over Trump’s sweeping tariffs, inflation eased to a four-year low in April, but is still above the Federal Reserve’s 2% goal.
    Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 14 May 2025
  • Ovechkin’s blast got the NHL’s career goals leader on the scoresheet for the first time in the series.
    Aaron Beard, Baltimore Sun, 13 May 2025
Verb
  • Several media outlets reported earlier this month that the Trump administration was preparing releasing the full audio.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The leaders did a deep dive into how to prepare for the three-game, eight-day stretch, which began last Saturday, with a 2-1 win at St. Louis City SC and followed with the 2-0 win Wednesday against Colorado.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • More: Trump stops South Africa aid over land act intended to address apartheid legacy South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has disputed Trump's claims about land confiscation and discrimination against white South Africans.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 May 2025
Noun
  • This marks a transition for Robinhood, from a mobile brokerage to a potential regulatory blueprint builder.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Katie Holmes’s pants are definitely a modern take on the cargo blueprint, with pockets attached to her belt rather than placed mid-thigh.
    Ana Serrano, Glamour, 19 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • The food connoisseur knew her purpose was in the kitchen from an early age and has steadfastly surrendered to that journey ever since.
    Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 21 May 2025
Verb
  • Most Popular Most Popular Pratt & Whitney workers entering third week of strike while preparing to lose health care Property of week: Historic home with in-ground pool and dock with water access A CT hospital is opening a new unit designed to keep people out of the emergency room.
    Mac Cerullo, Hartford Courant, 19 May 2025
  • These resorts have prioritized immersive outdoor and farming experiences: Moncayo, Puerto Rico Moncayo is a transformative 1,100-acre resort and residential community in Puerto Rico designed by Hart Howerton.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • While in high school, Ham contemplated becoming a priest and would spend a weekend each month at a nearby seminary to discern his faith.
    Angie Leventis Lourgos, Chicago Tribune, 17 May 2025
  • Tessa's contemplating a major move for her career while her estranged addict father forces his way back into her life.
    Megan Vick, EW.com, 17 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on plan

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