Definition of projectnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun project contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of project are design, plan, plot, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

When would design be a good substitute for project?

Although the words design and project have much in common, design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

In what contexts can plan take the place of project?

The synonyms plan and project are sometimes interchangeable, but plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When is plot a more appropriate choice than project?

The words plot and project are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When might scheme be a better fit than project?

In some situations, the words scheme and project are roughly equivalent. However, 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 project
Noun
With plenty to take inspiration from (for example, cozy textures, seasonal motifs, and nature’s changing colors), there are just as many fun and easy projects to try. — Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 27 Sep. 2026 Jia says the festival’s AI projects have all been exhibitions, and none of this year’s official selections were made with AI. — Jenny S. Li, Variety, 27 Sep. 2026
Verb
The global pet wellness market was valued at $227 billion in 2024 and is projected to surpass $400 billion by 2030, according to Intent Market Research. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 28 Sep. 2026 This year the Dodgers’ luxury tax is projected at $180 million — higher than the LRD payroll of 16 teams. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 28 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • ConnCAT and ConnCORP founder Carlton Highsmith, who serves as the board chair of both organizations, had already announced his own plans to step down at the end of the year.
    — P.R. Lockhart, Hartford Courant, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The ⁠city’s main airport, Suvarnabhumi, was operating normally though the tourism authority advised travellers to allow an extra two to three hours in their plans.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As has the part where Reacher uses his left paw with two nails protruding from the palm as a makeshift Wolverine/Freddy Krueger stabbin’ hand.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • For the hunters, a massive grey orb with a ramp protruding from it is one clue.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For decades, the European Union has led the world in implementing policies designed to cut emissions, creating the world’s most important price on carbon and crafting the rules of the road for a wide range of regulatory efforts.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Two tiny satellites have joined an orbital fleet designed to measure greenhouse gas emissions from hundreds of miles above Earth.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The House already passed this summer a $95 billion blueprint for a third package centered on funding for the military and the Iran war, farm relief, and election security measures.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Engineers are now taking these biological blueprints off the page.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Sometimes only the tips of the reeds and the seed heads were visible, poking above the murky water, and other times the reeds stood fully exposed, with a clear view of crabs clambering around their bases.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Video posted to social media showed one car nearly submerged, with just its sunroof poking above the water, as people moved other vehicles farther from the rising tides.
    — Leah Willingham, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Tehran is preparing a more forceful response if Washington resumes large-scale strikes, Reuters reported.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Next, Meyer is preparing to introduce new love bird designs while continuing to build on the brand’s core collection.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Pink Pony is a flagship program of Ralph Lauren’s Timeless by Design 2030 citizenship and sustainability strategy, reflecting Ralph Lauren’s deep commitment to supporting the fight against cancer.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026
  • Across industries, women continue to take on roles with greater control over capital, strategy and technology at some of the world’s most consequential businesses.
    — CNBC.com staff, CNBC, 29 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • What has stood out is the frequency of mass killings, even as murders overall fall.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There is really a quite shameful history in Tennessee of executions going wrong, although Christa Pike's really stands out.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 3 Oct. 2026.

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