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
His plan now is activism, to speak out and promote the need for a massive voter turnout. Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Things didn't go according to plan, though, as the pair and Helaena's baby were ultimately caught and brought back to the Red Keep to answer to Rheanyra. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Verb
Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order and ordered that the planes be turned around, but Justice Department attorneys said his oral instructions directing the flight to be returned were defective, and the deportations proceeded as planned. Peter Charalambous, ABC News, 22 June 2026 Later this year, the magazine plans to introduce a weekly video podcast with David Brooks. Max Tani, semafor.com, 22 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
  • Perhaps with that base-mobilization strategy in mind, the Republican National Committee is planning to hold a first-ever midterm convention this summer.
    Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • Building resilience Stephanie Niven, co-portfolio manager of the Global Sustainable Equity strategy at Ninety One, told CNBC on a call on Friday that her team took the view that the rise of intense weather conditions in Europe was creating a structural growth opportunity for investment.
    Chloe Taylor, CNBC, 27 June 2026
Noun
  • His goal is to inspire people to get outside.
    Kayla Moeller, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Messi, 38, recorded his 17th and 18th career World Cup goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
    David K. Li, NBC news, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • For this year's 55th annual Pride Parade on Sunday, organizers were prepared, with six cooling buses stationed along the parade route.
    Charlie De Mar, CBS News, 29 June 2026
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 29 June 2026
Verb
  • Key to watch for will be how a new government intends to tackle Britain's debt burden and revive sluggish growth without driving borrowing costs even higher.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • While these drugs can be life-changing for many people, they are not always intended to be permanent.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Board member Mark Parker’s move to become executive chairman at Nike seemed to offer a blueprint.
    Dade Hayes, Deadline, 23 June 2026
  • Unintentionally, many businesses make this blueprint easy to follow.
    Harry Kazakian, Forbes.com, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Sheriff's officials said a detailed investigation determined three employees used the system for non-law enforcement purposes, violating both agency policy and Georgia law.
    Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 23 June 2026
  • Protect your space, then re-engage with purpose.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Ships, like airplanes, are designed with fluid dynamics in mind, and biofoul seriously messes that up.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 23 June 2026
  • While the original impressed us with its ability to enhance product absorption and boost radiance, the new Booster Pro X2 doubles down with stronger output, dual-electrode technology, and seven treatment modes designed to improve everything from dull skin to large pores.
    Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • The effect of Greenspan’s artistry was to alter permanently the way the capital markets function, and to extend the Fed’s influence more deeply into the economy than Congress ever contemplated – and certainly far beyond any Constitutional remit.
    George Calhoun, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026
  • At one point officials were contemplating a proposal for a hotel along with newer retail, and only three years ago paid a $2 million settlement to a previous developer who accused the town of reneging on a deal.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 29 Jun. 2026.

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