plan 1 of 2

noun

ˈplan How to pronounce plan (audio)
Definition of plannext
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

plan

2 of 2

verb

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

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
Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire. —Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 July 2025 Unsurprisingly, Luthor already has an evil plan in the works, this time involving the use of Kryptonite crystals to grow a new continent, which will kill billions. —Will Harris, EW.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
Eventually, the company plans to send 320 cases a month, or about 3,840 a year, to DOAH judges through 2027, according to a funding proposal approved by the company’s governing board last year. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025 Florida plans on launching a six-month test run of the new accreditation process with six universities this December, according to the agency’s business plan approved unanimously by the Board of Governors in the Friday meeting. —Miami Herald, 12 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for plan
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plan
  1. strategy
  2. goal
  3. prepare
  4. intend
  5. blueprint
  6. purpose
  7. design
  8. contemplate
Noun
  • As of now, both strategies appear to be running on parallel tracks in Washington.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 13 July 2025
  • This has become something of a state religion—as much a matter of ideology as of strategy.
    — Frank Lavin, Forbes.com, 13 July 2025
Definition of strategy
Noun
  • My goal was to make everyone feel connected to her legacy and vitality.
    — Matt Abrahams, Time, 12 July 2025
  • The club had allowed just two second-half goals at home all season before Ponce’s brace on Saturday.
    — Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
Definition of goal
Verb
  • Whole spelt berries work well in breakfast cereal, soups, or side dishes, and can be prepared like rice or risotto.
    — Caroline Tien, SELF, 15 July 2025
  • Researchers have used different types of strawberries prepared in different ways to assess their blood pressure benefits.
    — Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 15 July 2025
Definition of prepare
Verb
  • Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.
    — Derek Sandhaus, Saveur, 10 July 2025
  • However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 10 July 2025
Definition of intend
Noun
  • Seeding the charity with £20 million of his own money, Hamilton began constructing a blueprint for systemic change, tackling barriers in education, employment and social mobility.
    — Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • The plans serve as blueprints for wildlife conservation at the state level and include regional and national conservation goals, officials said.
    — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 6 July 2025
Definition of blueprint
Noun
  • Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.
    — Steve Hruby, The Enquirer, 8 July 2025
  • Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.
    — Shayna Goldman, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of purpose
Verb
  • Too many projects fail because the architects never designed a quantifiable hypothesis.
    — Rick Burton, Sportico.com, 5 July 2025
  • It’s designed to lift, define, and dramatically lengthen without ever clumping or weighing lashes down.
    — Marie Lodi, Allure, 5 July 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • The question of how to deal with the fracturing has scientists contemplating the best course of action.
    — Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 11 July 2025
  • Levine Cava is reportedly contemplating $25 million in savings from the Parks budget, but the details aren’t known.
    — Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 11 July 2025
Definition of contemplate

Phrases Containing plan

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plaits
plan
plane
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Cite this Entry

“Plan.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plan. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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