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
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 planning
What manufacturers are missing is a clear problem to solve to move from planning to execution, according to the report.
—
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
The former economics professor turned real estate investor is planning to convert the 50-year-old hotel into apartments.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that Hezbollah was planning a ground offensive into Israel akin to Hamas’ October 7 attacks in 2023.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent projects have included lines, water storage and wells that local municipalities are planning to build, upgrade or replace.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for planning
Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 7 Apr. 2026
The former economics professor turned real estate investor is planning to convert the 50-year-old hotel into apartments.
—Matthew Geiger, Denver Post, 7 Apr. 2026
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has claimed that Hezbollah was planning a ground offensive into Israel akin to Hamas’ October 7 attacks in 2023.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent projects have included lines, water storage and wells that local municipalities are planning to build, upgrade or replace.
—Karl Schneider, IndyStar, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for planning
Recent Examples of Synonyms for planning
Verb
-
In 2023, the company was preparing to release its GPT-4 Turbo model.—
Ronan Farrow,
New Yorker,
6 Apr. 2026
-
South Africa is preparing the most sweeping overhaul of its migration laws in three decades in a bid to attract skilled migrants as part of efforts to boost moribund growth in Africa’s biggest economy.—
Tiisetso Motsoeneng,
semafor.com,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Tucker and her then-boyfriend, Daniel Ryan Garrett, broke into Dean’s apartment intending to steal motorcycle parts.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
29 Mar. 2026
-
On July 16, 1999, Kennedy sat in the pilot’s seat of his single-engine plane, intending to drop off sister-in-law Lauren in Martha's Vineyard before continuing to Hyannis Port with his wife for cousin Rory Kennedy's wedding.—
Erin Jensen,
USA Today,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Eco effort Architects made sure to prioritize sustainability when designing this hotel, favoring energy-efficient technologies and geothermal energy wherever possible.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
5 Apr. 2026
-
Career stuff aside, this aspect is also ideal for designing (or analyzing) a budget.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
4 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Soaring gas prices would appear to have many Americans contemplating if now might be the time to add an EV, or possibly another, to the family fleet.—
Bryan Hood,
Robb Report,
7 Apr. 2026
-
After staring down 30, experiencing a career lull, and contemplating quitting music altogether, the singer staked her future in the industry on the fate of her fourth record.—
Harry Tafoya,
Pitchfork,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Groups including Greenpeace and the Environment and Natural Resources Foundation are organizing a public class-action lawsuit describing the bill’s passage as a flawed process that dismissed public concerns over water safety.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
These include waking users, preparing breakfast, cleaning rooms, organizing household items, and operating certain appliances.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
O’Leary continued that surge Saturday, going 4-for-4 with four singles, a walk and two runs as the Porters mounted a big rally before losing 8-7 to Joliet West in nine innings in the WJOL Tournament championship game at Slammers Stadium in Joliet.—
Steve Millar,
Chicago Tribune,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Šilovs also allowed a goal in the first period that clanged off his mask before somehow going between his legs.—
Josh Yohe,
New York Times,
6 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
But many booth owners take great care on their displays and spend their free time arranging their wares just so.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Long before Manhattan's iconic street grid took shape, an English widow laid the groundwork for a settlement in Brooklyn, arranging a small village in what would become the United States into one of the first grid patterns.—
Hannah Kliger,
CBS News,
30 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
One tells a story of an A-list actress, aided by some of the biggest celebrities in the world who include husband Ryan Reynolds and friend Taylor Swift, plotting to seize control of a director’s passion project.—
Winston Cho,
HollywoodReporter,
3 Apr. 2026
-
The vote and its aftermath – which included a January 6-style riot at the national capital complex in Brasilia – ended with Bolsonaro sentenced to over 27 years in prison, convicted with numerous other officials of plotting a self-coup.—
Max Saltman,
CNN Money,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/planning. Accessed 11 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
