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
Several more museums are underway in Uzbekistan, most notably the new National Museum, Tadao Ando’s first major project in Central Asia. — Stephanie Sporn, Vogue, 8 Nov. 2026 His other projects — Pebbles, Harvey’s Bistro, and the upscale Manuel’s on 28th — would come later. — Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
Meanwhile, some websites have firmly projected that Democratic candidates will lose in districts that were redrawn to heavily favor Republicans. — Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Nov. 2026 LaLiga soccer giants Real Madrid and FC Barcelona have also hit the mark, while Manchester United is projected to top $1 billion during the 2026-27 EPL season. — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico.com, 1 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • Reyes is giving each side a chance to be heard on her plan to name Liu as special master in the case.
    — GARY FIELDS, Arkansas Online, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Authorities in quake-prone Japan regularly instruct people to stock up on bottled water, food and batteries, have plans ready to hide under tables and keep comfortable walking shoes at hand.
    — Yuri Kageyama, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Wire-thin cables protruding from the implant exit Pancho’s skull through the coin-sized opening.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade.
    — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Made with a breathable bamboo-viscose surface and waterproof barrier, it's designed to protect against spills without the uncomfortable crinkling of traditional mattress covers.
    — Jacorey Moon, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Developed by Maxwell Aircraft, the patent-pending plane is designed to deliver a breakthrough combination of payload, range, and operational flexibility for cargo and passenger transportation.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The irony is that Western Massachusetts built the blueprint for combating exactly this.
    — Tara Knight, Bon Appetit Magazine, 6 Nov. 2026
  • In many cases, state laws and policies become the blueprints for federal laws.
    — Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 6 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • On the other, the black sand slopes downward into darkness, garden eels poking cautiously from burrows before instantly retreating at the slightest movement.
    — Avantika Chaturvedi, Travel + Leisure, 9 Nov. 2026
  • But Miami broke through in the third quarter when Notre Dame cornerback Leonard Moore went to the bench after being poked in the eye, according to the NBC broadcast.
    — Colleen Kane, Chicago Tribune, 8 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • The additional accessories and benefits are intended to provide extra value beyond the cleaner itself, particularly for homeowners preparing their pools for the swimming season.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Lockheed Martin has also invested $120 million of its own funding to prepare the missile for maritime operations.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Japan has rejigged its incentives scheme for international productions as part of the bold IP360 national strategy to boost its content sector.
    — Gavin J Blair, HollywoodReporter, 2 Nov. 2026
  • The openings, on Monday, signal a shift in strategy from social media to physical retail.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 2 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • Texas stands out as a key state capable of reshaping Musk's corporate trajectory.
    — , CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026
  • And while that was significant, what really made the game stand out is what happened next.
    — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Nov. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 12 Nov. 2026.

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