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
Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
The announcement of Glastonbury’s final lineup also coincides with the BBC’s plans to air artists’ sets, with the broadcaster telling British publication The i Paper that Kneecap’s performance will be included as part of their coverage.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 June 2025
David Oliver, USA Today, 6 June 2025
One group — which registered itself as the Maryland Environment, Labor and Industry Coalition — planned to challenge the Next Generation Energy Act, and focus its campaign on trash incinerators, which will no longer receive a renewable energy subsidy under the law.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Noun
Republican leaders say these criticisms are wrong and that the GOP plan will boost the economy and cut spending.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 5 June 2025
The announcement of Glastonbury’s final lineup also coincides with the BBC’s plans to air artists’ sets, with the broadcaster telling British publication The i Paper that Kneecap’s performance will be included as part of their coverage.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 June 2025
Verb
Matson's father and stepmother aren't planning on attending the ceremony.
—David Oliver, USA Today, 6 June 2025
One group — which registered itself as the Maryland Environment, Labor and Industry Coalition — planned to challenge the Next Generation Energy Act, and focus its campaign on trash incinerators, which will no longer receive a renewable energy subsidy under the law.
—Christine Condon, Baltimore Sun, 6 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
-
These changes were more than just rebrands: each new name came along with a fundamentally different business strategy.—
Dev Patnaik,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
-
But, at this point, Edelman believes that advisers who value diversification as a strategy in their clients’ portfolio — eg, across asset classes, sectors, etc. — would be remiss not to recommend adding at least a small amount of digital asset exposure.—
Jeanne Sahadi,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
Noun
-
But Bennett’s goal would not keep the Panthers ahead for long.—
Adam Lichtenstein,
Sun Sentinel,
7 June 2025
-
There is not any goal that can justify continuing the military operation at the risk of losing the hostages, at the risk of losing the lives of Israeli soldiers, and the risk of losing the lives of many of the non-involved people in Gaza.—
Isaac Chotiner,
New Yorker,
6 June 2025
Verb
-
On the other hand, some small-business owners may only have an annual relationship with their accountant or tax professional, or even opt to prepare their taxes themselves.—
Vlad Rusz,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Weyman didn’t have long to prepare for the massive character milestone, but emphasized the importance of dialect to his portrayal of the Grey Wanderer.—
Lauren Coates,
Variety,
9 June 2025
Verb
-
The move was intended to boost subscriptions to then-fledgling HBO Max.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
4 June 2025
-
The period is intended to prevent market manipulation and to ensure potential investors receive relevant information from the company’s prospectus.—
Ron Hurtibise,
Sun Sentinel,
4 June 2025
Noun
-
Unlike the standard black or navy suits that carry you through most of the year, summer tailoring doesn’t follow a strict blueprint.—
Brett F. Braley-Palko,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2025
-
The film is dedicated to Anderson’s late father-in-law, Fouad Malouf, a businessman and engineer who stashed his own plans in the very shoeboxes that now store Zsa-zsa’s blueprints.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2025
Noun
-
This was still wild country, and Fuller set off with the express purpose of producing a book about her journey.—
James Marcus,
New Yorker,
2 June 2025
-
These rituals included a physical action, an emotional expression and a shared sense of purpose.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
Verb
-
The capsule will be exhibited in a space designed by designer Linda Bergroth, will take place at 3DaysofDesign in Copenhagen on June 17 to June 21 at the Marimekko store on Pilestraede 29.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
10 June 2025
-
Production designing the ornate bathroom was an adventure.—
Bill Desowitz,
IndieWire,
10 June 2025
Verb
-
These appear to be slightly more survivable, although the casualty rate is so high no Western army would contemplate such tactics.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
10 June 2025
-
Smart’s captors subjected her to rape daily, something that drove her to the point of contemplating suicide.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
People.com,
5 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share