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
This could be a bit of a project and Houston needs O-line help right now. Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Sounds like an excellent seventh-round or undrafted project. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff didn’t worry about where a player was projected to be taken, or the hype around them. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 He was projected by many draftniks as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • At the time of Jaxon’s death, the county was nearing the end of an 18-month corrective action plan aimed at improving oversight and safety within the system.
    Julia Prodis Sulek, Mercury News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • This isn’t an argument against your plan, per se.
    R. Eric Thomas, Chicago Tribune, 20 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Her right hand gripped the scissors with the round finger holes embedded in her palm and the pointed end protruding from her fist.
    Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Shards of glass and ceramic, rusted metal, medical and bio-waste, syringes, cracked circuit boards, and broken electronics protruded everywhere.
    CNN Money, CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Lucky Step Ballet Fashion Sneakers These are a fun, budget-friendly take on the ballet sneaker trend that feels thoughtfully designed.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The square neckline is complemented by decorative buttons, the sleeves are designed with smocked accents and ruffles, and the stripes give it a nautical, breezy vibe that’s fit for your next beach trip or cruise.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The partnership also includes blueprint design and advanced remote deployment capabilities.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 21 Apr. 2026
  • The urgency of the moment has trained a spotlight on Sebastian Gorka, the White House counterterrorism adviser tasked with drafting a blueprint for fighting homegrown and international threats.
    Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Paul, who co-created the Apple TV+ series and drew from season one for the musical’s script and score, performs a dexterous trick, poking fun at the form’s many ridiculous tropes with an unmistakably affectionate hand.
    Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Anderson says the magic lies in Gray’s willingness to poke fun at himself.
    Rachel Ventresca, Fortune, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Pack your phone, wallet, keys, and other essentials, like a glasses case and lip gloss, and prepare to head out for a date night or brunch with friends.
    Averi Baudler, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
  • That’s a gentle way of saying that those institutions must be prepared, at times, to coerce.
    Nikhil Krishnan, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Millions of Americans are turning to AI chatbots for help with their finances, asking about budgets, debt payoff plans, retirement strategies and investment options.
    Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • So no matter what, the strategy is to save enough gas to take as little as possible on the final pit stop of the day.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His ascent was fueled by an outstanding performance during the 2025 season, sharing Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year honors, standing out at the NFL Combine and nailing in-person interviews.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
  • In the context of modern entrepreneurship, where outcomes are often measured in exits and valuations, the sentiment stands out.
    NIa Bowers, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on project

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster