project 1 of 2

Definition of projectnext

project

2 of 2

verb

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

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
The project aims to strengthen security controls and increase automation across daily operations. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026 Volunteers working with Somer Valley Rediscovered, a regional project focused on improving biodiversity and connecting communities to local landscapes, spotted the organism during a structured mushroom count. Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
Verb
Severe weather is projected to extend through the Ohio and Tennessee valleys, and into the Deep South, where there’s risk of thunderstorms. Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 14 Mar. 2026 Peak heat was projected between Tuesday and Friday in the valley areas, with Tuesday and Wednesday being the hottest days on the coast. Austin Turner, CBS News, 14 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • The nurturing Moon enters your 11th House of Comradeship, inviting caring outreach, low-key check-ins, and sharing plans that fit your energy and budget.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026
  • If that is no longer an option, then the public deserves to know what the alternative plan is.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The front tire was flat, with a screw protruding from it.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The protruding exterior door handles are easy to grab with heavy gloves on and look good.
    Andrew P. Collins, The Drive, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Casa Gitano was designed entirely by Gardner and his husband, Andrew Cramer.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Designating the company a supply chain risk cuts off Anthropic's defense work using an authority that was designed to prevent foreign adversaries from harming national security systems.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This year, the new man in charge is ripping up the blueprint.
    Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 11 Mar. 2026
  • The blueprint for the final month of the season is simple.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • But researchers who studied crocodiles at an outdoor recreation center near Cape Town appear to have poked a hole in that approach.
    Regina G. Barber, NPR, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Featured in this article What’s more, hotel pillows often have other special features, including down-proof encasements (meaning feathers won’t poke through the cover over time).
    Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Still, nothing could have prepared us for the 2026 Oscars, where Anne Hathaway joined Wintour on stage to present the awards for achievement in costume design and achievement in makeup and hairstyling.
    Sam Reed, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2026
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The program also aligns with Leidos’ NorthStar 2030 strategy, which targets growth in large-scale technology modernization and cybersecurity work for US federal agencies.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 14 Mar. 2026
  • President Donald Trump‘s gamble that rising oil prices are good for the American economy may not be an effective messaging strategy with voters in a midterm year where affordability will be a key issue.
    Mabinty Quarshie, The Washington Examiner, 14 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Beyond the visuals, Tan’s actual caption struck a reflective tone that stood out from the usual social media fare.
    Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2026
  • The experience stands out, either because of some exceptional food items or an aspect of hospitality that goes above and beyond.
    Henri Hollis, AJC.com, 12 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.

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