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
Eligible candidates include directors who have helmed a single episode of television, an independent feature, documentaries or notable short-form, commercial or digital projects and who demonstrate strong creative vision and readiness for episodic leadership. Kennedy French, Variety, 6 Mar. 2026 The City Dock project aims to combat rising sea levels and transform the area into a pedestrian-friendly, green space. Jt Moodee Lockman, CBS News, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
The Verde above Horseshoe Dam, blessed with the storm that had layered 10 inches on Happy Jack, was projected to yield 76% of average. Brandon Loomis, AZCentral.com, 7 Mar. 2026 Justin Slaten is in no danger of being left off the Opening Day roster and still projects as one of the club’s top high-leverage bullpen arms. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 7 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • Crude prices spiked above $110 per barrel Monday morning after several Middle East energy producers announced plans to cut output.
    Anniek Bao, CNBC, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Provost is expected to lay out a plan to slash expenses at a strategy day near Paris, including using more technology from Chinese partner Geely to lower development costs.
    Albertina Torsoli, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • The jaguar growled, whirled and bit off the protruding head of the arrow.
    Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026
  • And yes, the non-recessed device does indeed protrude out from the bottom of the shoe, so it's intended for use with road bike shoes and pedals only.
    Ben Coxworth March 03, New Atlas, 3 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
  • The project’s ultimate blueprint calls for a massive, kilometer-wide circular power station in geostationary orbit, 36,000 kilometers (22,370 miles) above Earth.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 4 Mar. 2026
  • The result is an embryo that carries the genetic blueprint of the animal being cloned.
    Ryan Brennan March 4, Kansas City Star, 4 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
  • After a flight failure in March 2025, the German firm, Isar Aerospace, is preparing for its second Spectrum launch, currently scheduled for no earlier than March 19, 2026, from Andøya, Norway.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
  • Kim’s fresh push to be recognized as a nuclear state comes as the US president prepares a visit to the region in coming weeks that will include a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
    Soo-hyang Choi, Bloomberg, 9 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The sale to real estate investment firm EPR Properties is part of Six Flags’ strategy to simplify what the company owns, strengthen its operations on parks with growth potential and pay down debt.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 2026
  • These names are often picked for security purposes, strategy, morale and public perception.
    Alex Perry, Cincinnati Enquirer, 6 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • No spring travel wardrobe feels complete without a reliable pair of sandals, and the Reef Water Vista Sandals stood out immediately.
    Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Among the products her hairstylist used to craft the style, the Nexxus Keraphix Liquid Crystallizer Hair Serum stood out as a great protective, smoothing serum that would fit in anyone’s haircare routine.
    Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 6 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.

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