1
as in strategy
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective
there is a contingency plan in the office for handling almost any emergency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in goal
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
our plan is to finish up by next Friday
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance
we planned the school dance down to the smallest detail
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in to intend
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
I plan to have a party for my birthday, even if I have to throw it myself
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Alex Harring, CNBC, 23 July 2025
As Syria grapples with sectarian clashes in the south and Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Saudi Arabia is pushing forward with plans to engage economically.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
According to an announcement from the U.S. State Department, officials plan to cut ties with the agency by the end of 2026.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Noun
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
As Syria grapples with sectarian clashes in the south and Israeli airstrikes in Damascus, Saudi Arabia is pushing forward with plans to engage economically.
—Mohammed Sergie, semafor.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
The show captures him in a steady rhythm: watching film at home with his wife, Christen Harper — gently discussing coverages one moment and pregnancy plans the next.
—Arkansas Online, 24 July 2025
According to an announcement from the U.S. State Department, officials plan to cut ties with the agency by the end of 2026.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
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
-
From advanced smart textiles to resilient sourcing strategies, the region’s manufacturers are pushing forward—despite an increasingly volatile landscape.—
Mayu Saini,
Sourcing Journal,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
This is a rebirth of identity, self-image, and personal goals.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
24 July 2025
-
After all, performance reviews often come with structured agendas, metrics and formal goals.—
Sally Percy,
Forbes.com,
24 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
Verb
-
The initiative was intended to replace Abrams tanks and Bradley Infantry Fighting vehicles with a fleet of manned and unmanned systems.—
Tom Vanden Brook,
USA Today,
2 Aug. 2025
-
The majority of the community was forcibly displaced in the 1950s to make way for Dodger Stadium — despite the fact that the land was originally intended to be used for affordable housing.—
Toria Sheffield,
People.com,
2 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Another club that put together a robust blueprint to bring more fans to its stands is Washington Spirit.—
Asli Pelit,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
-
Thankfully, his win gives us a contemporary blueprint.—
Abdul Osmanu,
Hartford Courant,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Achieving a small goal (A) can boost your engagement (E) and deepen your sense of purpose (M).—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
1 Aug. 2025
-
This is a time to let go of outdated beliefs or structures that are no longer serving your higher purpose.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Their diameters are designed specifically for cost-reduction with the dimensions of fleet vehicles in mind.—
Charles Singh,
The Tennessean,
30 July 2025
-
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
Verb
-
Based on historical probabilities, traders may contemplate taking a position prior to the earnings announcement.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
28 July 2025
-
Don't forget outlier contests and Harris' possible return in California One feature of the 2026 gubernatorial races could be the return of Kamala Harris to the national stage, as the former vice president continues to contemplate a run for California governor.—
Phillip M. Bailey,
USA Today,
27 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share