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project

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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

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 second time was the charm for a pair of home projects presented to the La Jolla Shores Permit Review Committee this week — albeit by a razor-thin margin. Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 June 2025 Two of Shakira’s projects return to the Billboard charts this week. Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Verb
They’re projected to hire roughly 6,500 cast and crew, as well as 32,000 background performers, all of whom will be paid more than $302 million in wages. Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 23 June 2025 The Valkyries are projected to bring in fifty-five million dollars in revenue from sponsorships and ticket sales this year alone, far more than Clark’s team, the Indiana Fever, raked in last year. Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 22 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • The Justice Department ended over 4,000 positions as part of a sweeping reorganization, including plans to cut 1,500 personnel from the FBI, according to budget documents reviewed by the Washington Examiner.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 17 June 2025
  • In this way, UNICEF advocates for governments to adopt a child-centric approach in their policies, plans and budgets.
    UNICEF USA, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • The first-gen roam the mainland naked because of the idea that their clothes disintegrated long ago, and their appearances are characterized by veins that protrude from their body in revolting knots.
    EW.com, EW.com, 20 June 2025
  • After making sure the point is protruding slightly from one side of the bait, take the extra few seconds to remove scales all around the point.
    Joe Cermele, Outdoor Life, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • The 37-foot-tall living sculpture, created in 2000, is designed to nurture more than 50,000 flowering plants and will be seeded in August with the hope that it will be fully established by April, when architect Peter Zumthor’s new poured concrete building is scheduled to open to the public.
    Jessica Gelt, Los Angeles Times, 23 June 2025
  • Another idea is to design a campus ambassador program to provide a funnel for potential top graduates.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025
Noun
  • Rihanna’s business empire follows the same blueprint Baker pioneered, using stardom to control an entire industry.
    Sonari Glinton, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025
  • But even with Durant’s resurgence as a blueprint, the expectation is caution.
    Kristian Winfield, Hartford Courant, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • Cunningham came to the defense of her teammate Clark, retaliating with less than a minute left on the clock after, earlier in the game, the Fever's superstar player was poked in the eye and then knocked to the ground by two separate Sun players.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
  • As Clark backed Sheldon down at the top of the key, Sheldon poked Clark in the eye.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • So, the National Weather Service has been working closely with FIFA’s safety and security chief to develop plans for all 11 U.S. cities preparing to host World Cup games next year.
    Melanie Anzidei, New York Times, 22 June 2025
  • This area is fairly rugged, so be prepared for a hike and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • The strategy has led to renovation of tennis grounds for several Masters 1000 events in Cincinnati, Madrid, Rome, Paris and Shanghai.
    Jason Clinkscales, Sportico.com, 19 June 2025
  • On TikTok, users say that the strategy can enhance mood, endurance, brain health, and more.
    Cathy Cassata, Health, 19 June 2025
Verb
  • Scattered Spider has stood out from other cybercriminal groups because its members are native-English speakers.
    Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 27 June 2025
  • The power forward also stood out in April at the 71st annual Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, a collection of the country’s top college seniors who compete before professional scouts and agents.
    C.J. Doon, Baltimore Sun, 27 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

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