PROJECT Synonyms: 117 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

project 1 of 2

noun

ˈprä-ˌjekt

Definition of project next

as in plan

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective an ambitious project to develop the city's waterfront

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

project

2 of 2

verb

prə-ˈjekt

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point some boulders projected dangerously out above the trail

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to plan

to work out the details of (something) in advance we must project next year's budget now

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Together, these milestones reflect an artist whose career has evolved through strategic collaborations, genre-spanning projects, and a steadily growing cultural footprint. —

Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026 In reality, the project and its progressive defenders fed those forces rather than clarified them. —

Thomas Chatterton Williams, The Atlantic, 13 Feb. 2026

Verb

And with Alphabet, Microsoft, Meta, and Amazon—considered the four major hyperscalers—projected to spend an eye-watering $700 billion on AI build-outs in 2026, these prices are unlikely to decrease anytime soon. —

Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2026 The share of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to reach over 20% by 2035, meaning roughly 1 in 5 Americans may require some form of care. —

Allie Canal, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project

Recent Examples of Synonyms for project

Noun

Football fans, now is the time to set yourself a reminder to make early Valentine’s Day plans for next year.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Republicans last year cut about $1 trillion over a decade from Medicaid and declined to extend covid-19-era subsidies that had lowered the cost of health plans under the Affordable Care Act.

— ALI SWENSON, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026

Definition of plan

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prohibits

project

projected

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“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of project

noun

verb

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