plan 1 of 2

Definition of plannext

plan

2 of 2

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun plan contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of plan are design, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When is design a more appropriate choice than plan?

While in some cases nearly identical to plan, design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When could plot be used to replace plan?

While the synonyms plot and plan are close in meaning, plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is it sensible to use project instead of plan?

In some situations, the words project and plan are roughly equivalent. However, project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to plan?

The synonyms scheme and plan are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 plan
Noun
His plan now is activism, to speak out and promote the need for a massive voter turnout. Gary Fields, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2026 Things didn't go according to plan, though, as the pair and Helaena's baby were ultimately caught and brought back to the Red Keep to answer to Rheanyra. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Verb
Companies need help finding waste, forecasting usage, managing commitments, understanding security posture, and planning for future growth. Nia Bowers, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Space Launch Delta 45 stated that anomaly would not affect other launches, and the SpaceX launch was the first of two planned on the day from Canaveral with a ULA Atlas V launch slated for later on the day. Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Balogun matched Landon Donovan in 2010 for the second-most goals by an American in a World Cup, behind only Bert Patenaude's four in the initial tournament in 1930.
    CBS News, CBS News, 2 July 2026
  • Controversial red card looms large The story of the game to that point was Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the 45th minute and then was given a controversial red card in the second half.
    Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Jakucionis addressed the deal while preparing for his current work with Lithuania’s national team in World Cup qualifying.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • Atop the bar cart is a stainless steel surface coated in a satin finish, which provides a sleek place to prepare appetizers and meals and an easy-to-clean surface.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • Key to watch for will be how a new government intends to tackle Britain's debt burden and revive sluggish growth without driving borrowing costs even higher.
    Gail Krishnan, CNBC, 23 June 2026
  • While these drugs can be life-changing for many people, they are not always intended to be permanent.
    Daryl Austin, USA Today, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Reliability, familiarity and consistency go a long way when a franchise is laying a new foundation and needs people to serve as the blueprint.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 4 July 2026
  • As rain drizzled and the humidity bore down, the president peered at blueprints for the public golf course, before driving to his own course in Virginia via the Arlington Memorial Bridge, near where his Triumphal Arch may soon be built.
    Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Rather than designing a luxury escape filled with domestic gadgets, the architects have shaped a home that encourages slowing down and reconnecting with nature.
    Bridget Borgobello July 03, New Atlas, 4 July 2026
  • The new educational panels were designed to replace ones put up in 2010 that told the story of how nine slaves lived in the home along with George and Martha Washington in the 1790s, when Philadelphia was briefly the nation’s capital.
    Geoff Mulvihill, Los Angeles Times, 4 July 2026
Verb
  • To see why, readers need only contemplate the growth of wealth around the United States at all income levels.
    John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
  • But Cox and other officials warned anyone contemplating attending the fireworks festivities not to bring drones – or face arrest and a $100,000 fine.
    Josh Meyer, USA Today, 29 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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