Definition of projectnext

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
One of the most jarring elements of Baird’s documentary — as with most nonfiction projects about Palestinians released in the last few years — is how much of the language featured in the film echoes the contemporary moment. — Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 4 Oct. 2026 Royal expert Hilary Fordwich said Charles and Queen Camilla are also dreading the project. — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 4 Oct. 2026
Verb
Outside Nigeria, Kenya, and DR Congo are also projected to be major solar power hubs. — Paige Bruton, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026 With a physician shortage projected to be 33% by 2033, the Health Technology Bill of 2025 aims to use AI to alleviate the growing demand for physicians. — Esha Desai, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • The island has hosted a Ground Self-Defense Force garrison since 2016, while Tokyo has plans to add additional air-defense capabilities in the coming years.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 4 Oct. 2026
  • California’s plan to save coastal homes from El Niño could end up killing beaches.
    — Deputy Managing Editor, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Ping Ping, the male, has dark black circles around his eyes, while Fu Shuang, the female, has a forehead that protrudes a bit, according to the Xinhua News Agency.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026
  • As has the part where Reacher uses his left paw with two nails protruding from the palm as a makeshift Wolverine/Freddy Krueger stabbin’ hand.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • For decades, the European Union has led the world in implementing policies designed to cut emissions, creating the world’s most important price on carbon and crafting the rules of the road for a wide range of regulatory efforts.
    — Justin Worland, Time, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Two tiny satellites have joined an orbital fleet designed to measure greenhouse gas emissions from hundreds of miles above Earth.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The House already passed this summer a $95 billion blueprint for a third package centered on funding for the military and the Iran war, farm relief, and election security measures.
    — Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Oct. 2026
  • Engineers are now taking these biological blueprints off the page.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • From ceviche and poke to pasta and tacos, the menu revolves around the catch of the day, which is sourced from local markets.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Bellingham poked in Gordon's cross midway through the first half.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Tehran is preparing a more forceful response if Washington resumes large-scale strikes, Reuters reported.
    — Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Next, Meyer is preparing to introduce new love bird designs while continuing to build on the brand’s core collection.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 1 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But her strategy will become a national political story on Tuesday night, when Jackson and Collins kick off a series of Senate debates.
    — Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Avolta, for one, has used the strategy with brands such as Chanel and Tom Ford.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • What has stood out is the frequency of mass killings, even as murders overall fall.
    — Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 2 Oct. 2026
  • There is really a quite shameful history in Tennessee of executions going wrong, although Christa Pike's really stands out.
    — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 2 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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