1
as in preparing
to work out the details of (something) in advance
we planned the school dance down to the smallest detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in intending
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
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Recent Examples of planning
His siblings — Romy and Jake Reiner — are not planning to hire a criminal defense attorney, according to TMZ.
—
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
That is exactly what China and Elon Musk are planning.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Below, Koda talks to Deadline about working with the Duffer Brothers, the challenge of planning ingenious stunts and getting everyone battle ready.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Those planning to spend more than three hours in the park are required to book a shuttle to the alpine area of Going-to-the-Sun Road from either the west or east entrance.
—Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for planning
David Matthews, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2026
That is exactly what China and Elon Musk are planning.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Feb. 2026
Below, Koda talks to Deadline about working with the Duffer Brothers, the challenge of planning ingenious stunts and getting everyone battle ready.
—Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 24 Feb. 2026
Those planning to spend more than three hours in the park are required to book a shuttle to the alpine area of Going-to-the-Sun Road from either the west or east entrance.
—Outside, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for planning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for planning
Verb
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Travelers preparing to explore Mexico’s archaeological sites or beaches are encouraged to prepare carefully.—
CNN.com Wire Service,
Mercury News,
23 Feb. 2026
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The series, which follows elite riders preparing for the Run for a Million, where there is a $1M prize purse, aired its sixth season on CMT at the end of last year.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In the early 1990s, Gregory held a workshop of Anton Chekhov’s Uncle Vanya, never intending to put it onstage.—
Christopher Bonanos,
Vulture,
23 Feb. 2026
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Some of those arrested had acknowledged involvement in the brawl but all denied intending to kill Deranque, according to Lyon prosecutor Thierry Dran.—
Tim Lister,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The design team might need to accommodate other needs, too, like designing cabinetry to accommodate older clients, raising washing machines and dryers to keep them from straining to remove clothes and moving them.—
Caron Golden,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
28 Feb. 2026
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The first is that designing new cars from scratch often takes five years or more.—
Sean Tucker,
AJC.com,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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For the unbeaten 24-year-old mixed martial artist, promoted by Combate Global, contemplating the alternative can be traumatic.—
Josh Gross,
Daily News,
25 Feb. 2026
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In the play, which begins as historic epic and becomes, for Goethe, increasing personal and interior, Egmont gains perspective on the complexities of his place in politics by contemplating nature and being.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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He is known for organizing high-profile demonstrations against immigration and Islam, which have occasionally descended into violence.—
Alexander Smith,
NBC news,
26 Feb. 2026
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By organizing across jurisdictions, members can share information, coordinate lawsuits and put pressure on Congress to adopt stricter oversight rules.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Ferris, who pitched 1-2/3 scoreless innings in his second Cactus League start Saturday in the Dodgers’ 7-6 split-squad loss to the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium, noticed the contrast going from the Cubs to the Dodgers.—
Jack Vita,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Mar. 2026
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The debt markets going pencils down is a huge risk to an M&A market that looks poised to rip.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
2 Mar. 2026
Verb
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The victims were women whom the attacker had come to him after arranging a date on an escort application, police said.—
Adam Harrington,
CBS News,
26 Feb. 2026
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Top with butter pieces, arranging evenly over surface.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Despite a pathological fear of climbing after a tragic accident, Aaron sets off to rescue sister Seren in stunning Snowdonia, colliding with a far-right faction plotting a violent outrage in the local mountains.—
John Hopewell,
Variety,
23 Feb. 2026
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The staff at this school is plotting a secret wedding … for the principal.—
Ronnie Li,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/planning. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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