Synonyms of plan

plan 1 of 2

noun

ˈplan 

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

• strategy
• blueprint
• program
• scheme
• project
• design
• system
• arrangement
• proposal
• master plan
• game plan
• ground plan
• idea
• road map
• way
• game
• recipe
• procedure
• intention
• intent
• plot
• purpose
• policy
• technique
• aim
• stratagem
• maneuver
• conspiracy
• device
• means
• gambit
• ruse
• tactic
• collusion
• map
• subterfuge
• protocol
• conception
• trick
• counterplan
• counterstrategy
• formula
• contrivance
• setup
• platform
• diagram
• layout
• pattern
• specific(s)
• projet
• specification(s)

2

as in goal

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

our plan is to finish up by next Friday

Synonyms & Similar Words

• goal
• purpose
• aim
• idea
• intention
• intent
• objective
• thing
• object
• dream
• ambition
• design
• meaning
• target
• ideal
• aspiration
• point
• end
• project
• hope
• mark
• scheme
• name of the game
• wish
• bourne
• plot
• desire
• mind
• pretension
• destination
• holy grail
• grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

plan

2 of 2

verb

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

• prepare
• design
• organize
• arrange
• devise
• plot
• budget
• calculate
• blueprint
• chart
• outline
• project
• shape
• scheme (out)
• choreograph
• draft
• map (out)
• strategize (about)
• lay out
• intend
• frame
• contemplate
• figure
• contrive
• concert
• conspire
• sketch
• aim
• mean
• machinate
• have on
• get up
• intrigue
• meditate
• put up
• premeditate

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

• intend
• contemplate
• hope
• aim
• propose
• go
• mean
• wish
• try
• look
• purpose
• design
• calculate
• attempt
• aspire
• allow
• purport
• meditate
• consider
• dream
• figure on
• scheme
• struggle
• endeavor
• accomplish
• debate
• strive
• execute
• achieve
• plot
• ponder
• effect
• perform
• mull (over)

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

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

Recent Examples of plan

Noun

Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026

Her last job was assistant secretary of defense for strategy, plans, and capabilities. —Lesley Stahl, CBS News, 15 Mar. 2026

Verb

For round two, the team plans to outsource the task of evaluating each entry to mathematicians hired as anonymous reviewers, funded with a mix of grant money and donations from AI companies. —Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026

The president’s longtime confidante plans to continue working while receiving treatment. —Dan Diamond, Washington Post, 16 Mar. 2026

Phrases Containing plan

• game plan
• ground plan
• installment plan
• master plan