project 1 of 2

project

2 of 2

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
The project earned 120,000 equivalent album units in its first week — the largest week by units for both artists. Keith Caulfield, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2025 The commission concluded the project can go forward, but ordered a series of conditions. Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 30 Mar. 2025
Verb
There’s no telling if the cars will set any speed records this summer, but the setup for the Chicago Street Race is projected to go a lot faster. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 31 Mar. 2025 Also known as Obamacare, the ACA was passed in 2009 and at that time was projected to raise tax revenue by $486 billion. Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 31 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • Note: Where most Starlink users will be using a Residential service plan for their monthly service fees, Mini users will need a Starlink Roam plan, which is meant for users who are using the service on the go or frequently moving locations.
    PCMAG, PCMAG, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Growing football in his home town is a long-term plan, but in the immediate future Richard is fixed on growing in English football with Palace.
    Greg O'Keeffe, The Athletic, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Similarly, instead of modifying the landscape, McGuire integrated it into the pad’s design—a bridged walkway passes through two massive granite boulders, leading the way to the front door, and the office/guest room features an integrated desk, with a boulder protruding through a wall of glass.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Hands protrude from a wound in its spine, suggesting something even worse is inside trying to get out.
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 9 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Jaeger-LeCoultre team has always had one eye on the future and nowhere is that more evident than with the Atmos clock, which is designed to tick into eternity due to an energy-efficient, self-winding mechanism powered by subtle movements in air pressure.
    Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • It’s designed to cater to the preferences and wearability expectations of the Watch Angels watch collector community.
    Anthony DeMarco, Forbes.com, 1 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indonesia’s first-ever Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has outlined an ambitious blueprint for the nation’s cultural growth, with special emphasis on developing the country’s rapidly expanding film industry.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 21 Mar. 2025
  • In the United States, many firms have learned lessons from hurricanes, data breaches or product recalls, turning those experiences into a blueprint for improvement.
    Benjamin Laker, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Mary Fowler momentarily looks down and holds up a very neat yellow square of knitting to the camera, two wooden needles poking out either side.
    Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
  • During the incident, Konig also allegedly attempted to poke the woman with two syringes, Hawaii News Now reported, citing law enforcement sources.
    Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Additionally, the state is preparing for potential financial strain if congressional Republicans move forward with plans to cut billions from Medicaid, which could put coverage for millions at risk.
    Ron Estes, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2025
  • How to prepare before strong winds approach Trim tree branches away from your house and power lines.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 30 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The lawmakers pressed Hamilton to explain the change in strategy.
    Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2025
  • His successor, Lip-Bu Tan, appointed earlier this month, has yet to set out his strategy.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The innovation and access surrounding campus visits in particular stands out as a place where higher education made important and significant strides.
    Brennan Barnard, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Which moments and/or auditions stood out most to you?
    Andy Swift, TVLine, 23 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on project

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!