project 1 of 2

Definition of projectnext

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

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
This could be a bit of a project and Houston needs O-line help right now. Sam Warren, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026 Sounds like an excellent seventh-round or undrafted project. Luca Evans, Denver Post, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and his staff didn’t worry about where a player was projected to be taken, or the hype around them. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2026 He was projected by many draftniks as a fifth- or sixth-round pick. Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 25 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for project
Recent Examples of Synonyms for project
Noun
  • Back barring a surprise Marco Kasper Kasper’s second NHL season didn’t go according to plan, with his production dropping from 37 points as a rookie to 19 this season.
    Max Bultman, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • That would mark the first withdrawal under this tool since February 2025, according to Bloomberg calculations based on the operation plan released late on Friday.
    Bloomberg, Bloomberg, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In one shared by the road commission, the rushing, foaming flow might be confused for a threatening river if not for the road guardrails protruding from the water.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Melania wore a double-breasted crepe suit from American designer Adam Lippes, who also designed her navy-and-ivory ensemble for the president's second inauguration ceremony last year.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Accessibility The hotel is fully compliant with ADA standards, and has five accessible Deluxe rooms designed to accommodate guests with limited mobility and disabilities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Those close to the couple believe their trip to Australia set a new blueprint.
    Simon Perry, PEOPLE, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The Americans exported violence in the form of counterterrorism and police trainings to as many as eighty-five countries, from Pakistan to Saudi Arabia to Niger to the Philippines, as well as blueprints for dubious legal frameworks to justify their actions.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • When Andrei Vasilevskiy tried to poke the puck away, Bolduc had moved so deep into the crease area that the puck went off him and into the net for his first career playoff goal.
    Arpon Basu, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • The host also poked fun at the Trumps’ living separately despite being married for 22 years.
    Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • All of that was on plenty of minds as the audience started on spring pea and burrata salad and waiters prepared to serve a main course starring prime chateaubriand and Maine lobster.
    Calvin Woodward, Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • If suspicious activity is detected, users receive support from fraud resolution specialists who help contact agencies, prepare documentation, and dispute unauthorized accounts.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Millions of Americans are turning to AI chatbots for help with their finances, asking about budgets, debt payoff plans, retirement strategies and investment options.
    Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 25 Apr. 2026
  • So no matter what, the strategy is to save enough gas to take as little as possible on the final pit stop of the day.
    Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 25 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • What feels balanced and what doesn’t stands out quickly.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 1 May 2026
  • Dhigurah, Maldives Nearly every beach in the Maldives is gorgeous, but Dhigurah Beach stands out with a sandbar flanked by calm, crystal-clear waters.
    Kathleen Wong, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Project.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/project. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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