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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
At its core, his project was to extol the virtues of the scientific method, which requires and promotes skepticism and humility—a way of thinking that could help society resist the lure of authoritarianism. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 28 July 2025 The project is currently in development and will be an international production, with filming locations planned in New Zealand and the UK. Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 28 July 2025
Verb
Across industries, advanced manufacturing is projected to reach $535.5 billion by 2030. Sarah Jones, Sourcing Journal, 29 July 2025 Musk is projected to become the world's first trillionaire by 2027, according to some projections. Mariyam Muhammad, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Chief Chris Bailey announced an effort to create his department's new strategic plan in April.
    Jade Jackson, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • The first headline came from PepsiCo, which on Monday shared plans to launch a prebiotic version of its namesake cola this fall.
    Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • In Khao Yai National Park near Kong Kaeo Waterfall, for example, researchers found a robber fly attached to the bottom of a leaf with small flower-like growths protruding from its head, thorax and abdomen, earning the new fungus the name Ophiocordyceps floriformis.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Wilson was sporting a welt on the protruding bone on his left wrist after the game, which quickly received a wrap from the team’s medical staff.
    Chris Biderman July 8, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Pro tier is priced at $49.99 a month or $499 a year and unlocks advanced tools designed for professional broadcasters.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 30 July 2025
  • Their diameters are designed specifically for cost-reduction with the dimensions of fleet vehicles in mind.
    Charles Singh, The Tennessean, 30 July 2025
Noun
  • The company’s Emerging Leaders Program, designed by Dr. Jenny Schultz, who heads up leadership development at Delta Defense, offers a practical blueprint for companies looking to grow future leaders through intentional, measurable development. 1.
    Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025
  • And, of course, a little bit if pixie dust is part of the blueprint.
    Carole Horst, Variety, 16 July 2025
Verb
  • This review pokes a useful hole in the breathless reception this film received, while managing to feel fond.
    Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 24 July 2025
  • The dish is almost a tease, tickling and poking you by showcasing carrots such that here a confident argument is made to herald them in as the pre-eminent salad vegetable.
    Timothy DePeugh, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • The event will help shooters prepare for the statewide Marksmanship Challenge.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 July 2025
  • Firefighters, aided by wind, prepare for fire to shift course Firefighters actively engaged in preparation efforts to limit the fire's chance of spreading to the lodge and store, with the fire inching closer to the store on the east side of the closed State Route 67.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Neither the city's Office of Public Health and Safety nor the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department agreed to requests for interviews about the situation on Leonard Street and the city's evolving strategy for managing homeless camps.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 26 July 2025
  • Save water and money with these simple strategies for keeping plants hydrated more efficiently.
    Erica Browne Grivas, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Verb
  • Tate stands out from the field for reasons beyond his 6-foot-5 stature.
    M.L. Elrick, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • This unlined tote stands out for its simple, oversized silhouette that’s both sturdy and easy to travel with.
    Talia Ergas, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.

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