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
However, their plans were pushed back when Broadus — who was diagnosed with lupus at the age of 6 — suffered a stroke in January 2024. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 1 Feb. 2026 Kennedy could have blamed the Eisenhower administration for initiating such a harebrained plan. John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
Authorities allege five men met at a home in Garden Grove on July 5, 2025 to plan the shooting targeting rival gang members. Sierra Van Der Brug, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 Blume walked back an earlier target of reaching a 10% market share in the world's second biggest auto market, with the group now planning to advance in incremental steps. William Wilkes Bloomberg, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
  • With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 31 Jan. 2026
  • There are other factors that contribute to layoffs aside from new technology, like overhiring, the state of the economy and a shift in corporate strategy.
    Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Pageau smashed home his second goal late in the third to finish off a listless Flyers team.
    CBS News, CBS News, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Playing five games over the course of three days, Willis logged three goals and two assists.
    Clark Fahrenthold, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Egyptian authorities said roughly 150 hospitals across the country are prepared to receive patients evacuated from Gaza, while the Egyptian Red Crescent has set up support areas on the Egyptian side of the crossing.
    Bradford Betz, FOXNews.com, 2 Feb. 2026
  • That spelling error was made by a young designer who prepared the mechanical, the art which includes instructions for the printer.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Augmentation pulls teachers, case managers, and maintenance workers away from their core duties, eroding programs intended to reduce recidivism and maintain humane conditions.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Prosecutors allege the defendants sold meal packs intended for vulnerable families overseas and exchanged millions in benefits for cash.
    Jennifer Nassour, Boston Herald, 27 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Heavy investment in player salaries has been part of Liverpool’s blueprint for years.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026
  • For that, Timbers and the team found the original blueprints from 1976.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • In a consumer environment growing increasingly skeptical, leading with purpose and transparency builds trust and authority that will compound over time.
    Serenity Gibbons, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • In a prepared speech, Kristi Noem lied about the events, claiming Alex Pretti approached agents with a firearm, and that Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, came for the sole purpose of murder.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Weissman said this bill was designed to stand alone.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Arvest fund awarded $70M in tax credits A total of $70 million in New Market Tax Credits, designed to help banks support affordable housing, small businesses, growth development, manufacturing and essential community infrastructure, has been awarded to the Arvest Opportunity Fund.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • That the Board of Education would even contemplate closing Outdoor School, and uses it annually as a bargaining chip in its budget negotiations with the county commissioners, reflects poorly on BOE members.
    Chris Roemer, Baltimore Sun, 1 Feb. 2026
  • After a blood-clot diagnosis last year forced him to contemplate how quickly careers — and lives — can end, Wembanyama decided to create a lasting legacy.
    J.J. Bailey, New York Times, 1 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 6 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on plan

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!