Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense plans, present participle planning, past tense, past participle planned
1. countable noun [oft according toN]
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand.
The three leaders had worked out a peace plan.
The project is part of a United Nations plan for refugees.
...a detailed plan of action for restructuring the group. [+ of]
He maintains that everything is going according to plan.
2. verb
If you plan what you are going to do, you decide in detail what you are going to do, and you intend to do it.
If you plan what you're going to eat, you reduce your chances of overeating. [VERB wh]
He planned to leave Baghdad on Monday. [VERB to-infinitive]
It would be difficult for schools to plan for the future. [VERB + for]
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast. [VERB noun]
A planned demonstration has been called off by its organisers. [VERB-ed]
Synonyms: devise, arrange, prepare, scheme More Synonyms of plan
3. plural noun [NOUN to-infinitive]
If you have plans, you are intending to do a particular thing.
'I'm sorry,' she said. 'I have plans for tonight.' [+ for]
The government is making plans to evacuate more than two hundred of its citizensfrom the troubled area.
4. verb
When you plan something that you are going to make, build, or create, you decide what the main parts of it will be and do a drawing of how it should be made.
We are planning a new kitchen. [VERB noun]
5. countable noun
A planof something that is going to be built or made is a detailed diagram or drawing of it.
...when you have drawn a plan of the garden. [+ of/for]
Synonyms: diagram, map, drawing, chart More Synonyms of plan
6. See also planning
Phrasal verbs:
See plan on
See plan out
More Synonyms of plan
plan in British English
(plæn)
noun
1.
a detailed scheme, method, etc, for attaining an objective
2. (sometimes plural)
a proposed, usually tentative idea for doing something
3.
a drawing to scale of a horizontal section through a building taken at a given level; a view from above an object or an area in orthographic projection
Compare ground plan (sense 1), elevation (sense 5)
4.
an outline, sketch, etc
5.
(in perspective drawing) any of several imaginary planes perpendicular to the line of vision and between the eye and object depicted
verbWord forms: plans, planning or planned
6.
to form a plan (for) or make plans (for)
7. (transitive)
to make a plan of (a building)
8. (tr; takes a clause as object or an infinitive)
to have in mind as a purpose; intend
Word origin
C18: via French from Latin plānus flat; compare plane1, plain1
plan in American English
(plæn)
noun
1.
a drawing or diagram showing the arrangement in horizontal section of a structure, piece of ground, etc.
2.
a.
a scheme or program for making, doing, or arranging something; project, design, schedule, etc.
b.
a method of proceeding
3.
any outline or sketch
4.
in perspective, any of several planes thought of as perpendicular to the line of sight and between the eye and the object
verb transitiveWord forms: planned or ˈplanning
5.
to make a plan of (a structure, piece of ground, etc.)
6.
to devise a scheme for doing, making, or arranging
7.
to have in mind as a project or purpose
verb intransitive
8.
to make plans
SYNONYMY NOTE: plan refers to any detailed method, formulated beforehand, for doing or making something[vacation plans]; design stresses the final outcome of a plan and implies the use of skill or craft, sometimesin an unfavorable sense, in executing or arranging this [it was his design to separate us]; project implies the use of enterprise or imagination in formulating an ambitious or extensiveplan [a housing project]; scheme, a less definite term than the preceding, often connotes either an impractical, visionaryplan or an underhanded intrigue [a scheme to embezzle the funds]
Word origin
Fr, plan, plane, foundation: merging of plan (< L planus: see plain1) with MFr plant < It pianta < L planta, sole of the foot: see plant
plan- in American English
(plæn)
plano- (sense 1)
used before a vowel
plan in Insurance
(plæn)
Word forms: (regular plural) plans
noun
(Insurance: General)
A plan is an insurance policy or contract, especially a life or health insurance policy.
A life insurance plan is a major step you can take in order to assure the prosperity of your family.
Some plans allow withdrawal of accumulated growth at any time without penalties.
A plan is an insurance policy or contract, especially a life or health insurance policy.
cash plan, defined benefit plan, defined contribution plan, funeral plan, health maintenance plan, high-deductible health plan, indemnity plan, preferred provider plan
More idioms containing
plan
a game plan
COBUILD Collocations
plan
bold plan
coherent plan
credible plan
cunning plan
diet plan
investment plan
long-term plan
recovery plan
turnaround plan
Examples of 'plan' in a sentence
plan
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…
Taking charge of your future begins when you map out detailed plans for your working life.
The Sun (2017)
The group has other plans to improve its lot.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
You plan to make an application as soon as your financial adviser returns from his holiday.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Three trusts have banned the treatment and two others are planning to end it this year.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Or do you think inheriting money is a bad thing and plan to do something else with your assets?
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The Government plans to double the three penalty points for using a mobile.
The Sun (2016)
Almost two thirds said knowing they might be asked to move out at short notice made it difficult to plan for the future.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
There are rumours that some of the larger housebuilders have plans for the area, too.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The Met has filed a public sector procurement notice detailing its plans.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She took a particular interest in town planning, historic buildings, and the environment.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
These extensive projects are subject to detailed planning and business case approval.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The main reason given for not maintaining the facilities was that replacement buildings were planned.
The Sun (2009)
The third year the town government planned to build a road five miles westward into the wilderness.
Christianity Today (2000)
Twitter declined to comment on the details of its plans.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
You should make your plans and go.
Hambly, Dr Kenneth Banish Anxiety - how to stop worrying and take charge of your life (1991)
Commercial property is waved through planning committees in areas of risk.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
The idea of planning is a hurdle that many couples need to cross.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Yet government kept trying to do things by grand plan.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
His disposable income should then be used to meet his financial planning objectives.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This contingency planning is something that women often do well.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
This helps you put life plans into action.
The Sun (2014)
That makes it more difficult to plan for the long term.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
It plans to close hundreds more in the coming years.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
There are more demonstrations planned for today.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
These plans and drawings are supplemented with copious notes.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Luck is building for the plan that links family in two different towns.
The Sun (2008)
There appears to have been no detailed plans for what followed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
She was accused of adding the stripes to spite neighbours who objected to her building plans.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
His group plans a more ambitious onslaught.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The company will announce details of its plans next month.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
You can persuade and inspire the people you care about to make positive plans.
The Sun (2013)
Look again at major plans tonight.
The Sun (2015)
The Government plans to give free financial advice to all.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
plan
British English: plan /plæn/ NOUN
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand.
The three leaders had worked out a peace plan.
American English: plan
Arabic: خُطَّة
Brazilian Portuguese: plano
Chinese: 计划
Croatian: plan
Czech: plán
Danish: plan strategi
Dutch: plan
European Spanish: plano edificio
Finnish: suunnitelma
French: plan projet
German: Plan
Greek: σχέδιο
Italian: progetto
Japanese: 計画
Korean: 계획
Norwegian: plan
Polish: plan zamiar
European Portuguese: plano
Romanian: plan
Russian: план
Latin American Spanish: plan esquema
Swedish: plan
Thai: แผนการ
Turkish: plan
Ukrainian: план
Vietnamese: kế hoạch
British English: plan /plæn/ VERB
If you plan what you are going to do, you decide in detail what you are going to do, and you intend to do it.
If you plan what you're going to eat, you reduce your chances of overeating.
He planned to leave home on Monday.
American English: plan
Arabic: يُخَطِط
Brazilian Portuguese: planejar
Chinese: 计划
Croatian: planirati
Czech: plánovat
Danish: planlægge
Dutch: plannen
European Spanish: planear
Finnish: suunnitella
French: prévoir planifier
German: planen
Greek: σχεδιάζω
Italian: progettare
Japanese: 計画する
Korean: 계획하다
Norwegian: planlegge
Polish: zaplanować
European Portuguese: planear
Romanian: a plănui
Russian: планировать
Latin American Spanish: planear
Swedish: planera
Thai: วางแผน
Turkish: planlamak
Ukrainian: планувати
Vietnamese: vạch kế hoạch
Translate your text for free
All related terms of 'plan'
plano-
indicating flatness or planeness
plan on
If you plan on doing something, you intend to do it.
body plan
the basic shape of members of an animal phylum ; the general structure each individual organism assumes as it develops
bold plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
care plan
a plan for the medical care of a particular patient or the welfare of a child in care
cash plan
A cash plan is money paid towards the insured ’s optical or dental costs, and also admission to a hospital .
city plan
the developmental plan for a city or town arrived at through the process of city planning
diet plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
game plan
In sport , a team's game plan is their plan for winning a match .
off plan
(of a new building) considered with reference to its plans, before it has been built
open-plan
An open-plan building, office , or room has no internal walls dividing it into smaller areas.
plan out
If you plan out the future , you decide in detail what you are going to do.
town plan
a comprehensive document which sets out a vision of the physical and social development of a town, including the construction of facilities
action plan
a statement of the steps that need to be taken to achieve a particular goal or objective
battle plan
the strategy to be used in a military engagement
birth plan
a statement by a mother telling doctors and midwives how she would like her labour to proceed
budget plan
the planning of one's spending
Dalton plan
a system devised to encourage pupils to learn and develop at their own speed, using libraries and other sources to complete long assignments
Delors plan
a plan for closer European union, originated by Jacques Delors , President of the European Commission (1985–94)
escape plan
a plan for escaping from a place
flight plan
a written statement of the details of a proposed aircraft flight
floor plan
a drawing to scale of the arrangement of rooms on one floor of a building
ground plan
In British English , a ground plan is a plan of the ground floor of a building. In American English, a ground plan is a plan of any floor of a building.
Keogh plan
a retirement plan for self-employed persons and for the owners and employees of unincorporated businesses, similar to an IRA
lesson plan
a plan , used by teachers in a school , detailing the structure and format of lessons
master plan
A master plan is a clever plan that is intended to help someone succeed in a very difficult or important task .
party plan
of or relating to a method of selling products such as jewellery , clothes, or kitchen items : agents hold a party at which they display and sell the goods
sheer plan
a diagrammatic fore-and-aft elevation of the hull of a vessel, showing bow and buttock lines, stations, water lines, diagonals , decks , bulwarks , etc
street plan
a plan of the streets in a given area or town
American plan
a hotel rate in which the charge includes meals
business plan
A business plan is a detailed plan for setting up or developing a business, especially one that is written in order to borrow money.
coherent plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
credible plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
cunning plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
European plan
a hotel rate of charging covering room and service but not meals
funeral plan
A funeral plan is a basic life insurance policy that provides money to pay for the policyholder's funeral expenses when they die .
layaway plan
payment by instalments ; the buyer takes possession of the merchandise only when the full price has been paid
Marshall Plan
a programme of US economic aid for the reconstruction of post-World War II Europe (1948–52)
pension plan
A pension plan is an arrangement to receive a pension from an organization such as an insurance company or a former employer in return for making regular payments to them over a number of years.
Rapacki Plan
the denuclearization of Poland , Czechoslovakia , East Germany, and West Germany, proposed by Adam Rapacki (1909–70), the Polish foreign minister, in 1957
recovery plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
rolling plan
a plan which is designed to continue over a period of time and is subject to regular review and updating
seating plan
a plan which shows where each person is to sit
Townsend plan
a pension plan, proposed in the U.S. in 1934 but never passed by Congress , that would have awarded $200 monthly to persons over 60 who were no longer gainfully employed, provided that such allowance was spent in the U.S. within 30 days
401(k) plan
(in the US) a type of employer-sponsored pension plan in which the tax payable on contributions is deferred until retirement
a game plan
the things that someone intends to do in order to achieve a particular aim
commission plan
(in the US) a system of municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in a commission of five or six elected members
Galveston plan
(in the US) a system of municipal government that combines legislative and executive authority in a commission of five or six elected members
indemnity plan
An indemnity plan is a healthcare plan that allows policyholders to choose any healthcare provider they wish , and charges them a fee depending on the rules of the policy .
instalment plan
a system for purchasing merchandise , such as cars or furniture , in which the buyer takes possession of the merchandise on payment of a deposit and completes the purchase by paying a series of regular instalments while the seller retains ownership until the final instalment is paid
Chinese translation of 'plan'
plan
(plæn)
n(c)
(= scheme, project) 计(計)划(劃) (jìhuà) (个(個), gè)
(= drawing) 详(詳)图(圖) (xiángtú) (张(張), zhāng)
vt
[crime, holiday, future etc]计(計)划(劃) (jìhuà)
(= design)[building, garden etc]设(設)计(計) (shèjì)
vi
(= think ahead) 打算 (dǎsuàn)
⇒ We must plan for the future.我们必须为将来做打算。 (Wǒmen bìxū wèi jiānglái zuò dǎsuàn.)
to go according to plan按计(計)划(劃)进(進)行 (àn jìhuà jìnxíng)
to plan to do sth计(計)划(劃)做某事 (jìhuà zuò mǒushì)
how long do you plan to stay?你准(準)备(備)住多久？ (nǐ zhǔnbèi zhù duō jiǔ?)
to plan for or on sth (= expect) 预(預)先想到某事 (yùxiān xiǎngdào mǒushì)
to plan on doing sth意欲做某事 (yìyù zuò mǒushì)
Derived Forms
plansn pl (= intentions) 计(計)划(劃) (jìhuà)
⇒ Do you have any plans for the weekend?你周末有什么计划吗？ (Nǐ zhōumò yǒu shénme jìhuà ma?)
a method thought out for doing or achieving something
She met her creditors to propose a plan for making repayments.
Synonyms
scheme
a private pension scheme
system
the decimal system of metric weights and measures
design
They drew up the design in a week.
idea
It's a good idea to keep a stock of tins in the cupboard.
programme
the programme for reform outlined by the Soviet President
project
a local development project
proposal
the government's proposals to abolish free health care
strategy
the basic principles of my strategy
method
new teaching methods
suggestion
I have lots of suggestions for the park's future.
procedure
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
plot
a plot to overthrow the government
device
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
scenario
proposition
I want to make you a business proposition.
contrivance
It is nothing more than a contrivance to raise prices.
2 (noun)
Definition
an outline or sketch
Draw a plan of the garden.
Synonyms
diagram
a diagram showing the workings of the engine
map
He unfolded the map and set it on the floor.
drawing
She did a drawing of me.
chart
The chart below shows the results of our survey.
illustration
He made his illustrations of birds as he travelled in America.
representation
a life-like representation of Christ
sketch
I had a basic sketch of a plan.
blueprint
The documents contain a blueprint for a nuclear device.
layout
He tried to recall the layout of the farmhouse.
delineation
His razor-sharp delineation of ordinary life.
scale drawing
3 (noun)
Her plan was to teach the children at home.
Synonyms
intention
She announced her intention of standing for parliament.
idea
The idea is to help lower-income families to buy their homes.
aim
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
hope
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
goal
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
target
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
object
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
ambition
My ambition is to sail round the world.
1 (verb)
Definition
to form a plan (for)
I had been planning a trip to the West Coast.
Synonyms
devise
We devised a scheme to help him.
arrange
She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon.
prepare
He said the government must prepare an emergency plan for evacuation.
scheme
frame
A convention was set up to frame a constitution.
plot
a meeting to plot the survival strategy of the party
draft
He drafted a standard letter.
organize
We need someone to help organize our campaign.
outline
invent
He invented the first electric clock.
formulate
He formulated his plan for escape.
contrive
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
think out
concoct
He said the prisoner had concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.
2 (verb)
Definition
to intend
They plan to move house next year.
Synonyms
intend
She intends to do A levels and go to university.
aim
I didn't aim to get caught.
mean
I didn't mean to hurt you.
propose
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
purpose
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
contemplate
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
envisage
I can't envisage being married to someone like that.
foresee
He did not foresee any problems.
3 (verb)
Definition
to make a plan of (a building)
The company is planning a theme park on the site.
Synonyms
design
They have designed a machine that is both attractive and practical.
outline
The methods outlined in this book are only suggestions.
draw up a plan of
architect
Additional synonyms
in the sense of aim
Definition
intention or purpose
a research programme that has failed to achieve its aim
Synonyms
intention,
end,
point,
plan,
course,
mark,
goal,
design,
target,
wish,
scheme,
purpose,
direction,
desire,
object,
objective,
ambition,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of aim
Definition
to propose or intend
I didn't aim to get caught.
Synonyms
mean,
attempt,
propose,
intend,
resolve,
purpose
in the sense of ambition
Definition
something so desired
My ambition is to sail round the world.
Synonyms
goal,
end,
hope,
design,
dream,
target,
aim,
wish,
purpose,
desire,
intention,
objective,
intent,
aspiration,
Holy Grail (informal)
Synonyms of 'plan'
plan
Explore 'plan' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of invent
Definition
to think up or create (something new)
He invented the first electric clock.
Synonyms
create,
make,
produce,
develop,
design,
discover,
imagine,
manufacture,
generate,
come up with (informal),
coin,
devise,
conceive,
originate,
formulate,
spawn,
contrive,
improvise,
dream up (informal),
concoct,
think up
in the sense of layout
Definition
the arrangement or plan of something, such as a building
He tried to recall the layout of the farmhouse.
Synonyms
arrangement,
design,
draft,
outline,
format,
plan,
formation,
geography
in the sense of map
Definition
a diagrammatic representation of the earth's surface or part of it, showing the geographical distributions or positions of features such as roads, towns, relief, and rainfall
He unfolded the map and set it on the floor.
Synonyms
chart,
plan,
guide,
atlas,
A to Z,
street guide,
cartogram
in the sense of mean
Definition
to intend
I didn't mean to hurt you.
Synonyms
intend,
want,
plan,
expect,
design,
aim,
wish,
think,
propose,
purpose,
desire,
set out,
contemplate,
aspire,
have plans,
have in mind
in the sense of method
Definition
a way of doing something, esp. a systematic or regular one
new teaching methods
Synonyms
manner,
process,
approach,
technique,
way,
plan,
course,
system,
form,
rule,
programme,
style,
practice,
fashion,
scheme,
arrangement,
procedure,
routine,
mode,
modus operandi
in the sense of object
Definition
an aim or purpose
The object of the exercise is to raise money for charity.
Synonyms
purpose,
aim,
end,
point,
plan,
idea,
reason,
goal,
design,
target,
principle,
function,
intention,
objective,
intent,
motive,
end in view,
end purpose,
the why and wherefore
in the sense of organize
Definition
to plan and arrange (something)
We need someone to help organize our campaign.
Synonyms
arrange,
run,
plan,
form,
prepare,
establish,
set up,
shape,
schedule,
frame,
look after,
be responsible for,
construct,
constitute,
devise,
put together,
take care of,
see to (informal),
get together,
marshal,
contrive,
get going,
coordinate,
fix up,
straighten out,
lay the foundations of,
lick into shape,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of outline
Definition
to give the main features or general idea of (something)
The methods outlined in this book are only suggestions.
Synonyms
summarize,
review,
draft,
plan,
trace,
sketch (in),
sum up,
encapsulate,
delineate,
rough out,
adumbrate
in the sense of plot
Definition
a secret plan for an illegal purpose
a plot to overthrow the government
Synonyms
plan,
scheme,
intrigue,
conspiracy,
cabal,
stratagem,
machination,
covin
in the sense of plot
Definition
to construct the plot of (a play, novel, or film)
a meeting to plot the survival strategy of the party
Synonyms
devise,
design,
project,
lay,
imagine,
frame,
conceive,
brew,
hatch,
contrive,
concoct,
cook up (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of prepare
Definition
to make or get ready
He said the government must prepare an emergency plan for evacuation.
Synonyms
make or get ready,
arrange,
draw up,
form,
fashion,
get up (informal),
construct,
assemble,
contrive,
put together,
make provision,
put in order,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of procedure
Definition
a way of doing something, esp. an established method
He did not follow the correct procedure in applying for a visa.
Synonyms
method,
policy,
process,
course,
system,
form,
action,
step,
performance,
operation,
practice,
scheme,
strategy,
conduct,
formula,
custom,
routine,
transaction,
plan of action,
modus operandi
in the sense of programme
the programme for reform outlined by the Soviet President
Synonyms
plan,
scheme,
strategy,
procedure,
project,
plan of action
in the sense of project
Definition
a proposal or plan
a local development project
Synonyms
scheme,
plan,
job,
idea,
design,
programme,
campaign,
operation,
activity,
proposal,
venture,
enterprise,
undertaking,
occupation,
proposition,
plan of action
in the sense of proposal
Definition
a suggestion put forward for consideration
the government's proposals to abolish free health care
Synonyms
suggestion,
plan,
programme,
scheme,
offer,
terms,
design,
project,
bid,
motion,
recommendation,
tender,
presentation,
proposition,
overture,
proffer
in the sense of propose
Definition
to intend (to do something)
I propose to spend my entire life travelling.
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
aim,
design,
scheme,
purpose,
have in mind,
have every intention
in the sense of proposition
Definition
a proposal or offer
I want to make you a business proposition.
Synonyms
proposal,
plan,
suggestion,
scheme,
bid,
motion,
recommendation
in the sense of purpose
Definition
to intend or determine to do (something)
His life went in the direction that he purposed.
Synonyms
intend,
mean,
plan,
decide,
design,
aim,
determine,
propose,
resolve,
think to,
contemplate,
aspire,
work towards,
meditate,
make up your mind,
commit yourself,
have a mind to,
set your sights on
in the sense of representation
Definition
anything that represents, such as a pictorial portrait
a life-like representation of Christ
Synonyms
picture,
model,
image,
portrait,
illustration,
sketch,
resemblance,
likeness
in the sense of sketch
Definition
any brief outline
I had a basic sketch of a plan.
Synonyms
draft,
outline,
framework,
plan,
frame,
rough,
skeleton,
blueprint,
layout,
lineament(s)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of strategy
Definition
a long-term plan for success, such as in politics or business
the basic principles of my strategy
Synonyms
plan,
approach,
scheme,
manoeuvring,
grand design
in the sense of suggestion
Definition
something that is suggested
I have lots of suggestions for the park's future.
Synonyms
recommendation,
proposal,
proposition,
plan,
motion,
submission
in the sense of system
Definition
a method or set of methods for doing or organizing something
the decimal system of metric weights and measures
Synonyms
method,
practice,
technique,
procedure,
routine,
theory,
usage,
methodology,
frame of reference,
modus operandi,
fixed order
in the sense of target
Definition
a fixed goal or objective
school leavers who fail to reach their targets
Synonyms
goal,
aim,
objective,
end,
mark,
object,
intention,
ambition,
Holy Grail (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of arrange
Definition
to plan in advance
She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon.
Synonyms
plan,
agree,
prepare,
determine,
schedule,
organize,
construct,
devise,
contrive,
fix up,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of blueprint
Definition
a photographic print of plans, technical drawings, etc. consisting of white lines on a blue background
The documents contain a blueprint for a nuclear device.
Synonyms
plan,
scheme,
project,
pattern,
draft,
outline,
sketch,
layout
in the sense of chart
Definition
a graph, table, or sheet of information in the form of a diagram
The chart below shows the results of our survey.
Synonyms
table,
diagram,
blueprint,
graph,
tabulation,
plan,
map
in the sense of concoct
Definition
to invent or make up (a story or plan)
He said the prisoner had concocted the story to get a lighter sentence.
Synonyms
make up,
design,
prepare,
manufacture,
plot,
invent,
devise,
brew,
hatch,
formulate,
contrive,
fabricate,
think up,
cook up (informal),
trump up,
project
in the sense of contemplate
Definition
to consider as a possibility
He contemplated a career as an army medical doctor.
Synonyms
consider,
plan,
think of,
propose,
intend,
envisage,
foresee,
have in view or in mind
in the sense of contrivance
Definition
an elaborate or deceitful plan
It is nothing more than a contrivance to raise prices.
Synonyms
stratagem,
plan,
design,
measure,
scheme,
trick,
plot,
dodge,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
machination,
intrigue
in the sense of contrive
Definition
to devise or construct ingeniously
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
fabricate,
create,
design,
scheme,
engineer,
frame,
manufacture,
plot,
construct,
invent,
improvise,
concoct,
wangle (informal),
effect,
bring about,
hit upon
in the sense of delineation
His razor-sharp delineation of ordinary life.
Synonyms
outline,
description,
account,
drawing,
picture,
chart,
tracing,
portrait,
representation,
diagram,
portrayal,
depiction
in the sense of device
Definition
a scheme or plan
His actions are obviously a device to buy time.
Synonyms
ploy,
scheme,
strategy,
plan,
design,
project,
shift,
trick,
manoeuvre,
stunt,
dodge,
expedient,
ruse,
artifice,
gambit,
stratagem,
wile
in the sense of draft
Definition
to write a preliminary outline of a letter, book, or speech
He drafted a standard letter.
Synonyms
outline,
write,
plan,
produce,
create,
design,
draw,
frame,
compose,
devise,
sketch,
draw up,
formulate,
contrive,
delineate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of drawing
Definition
a picture or plan made by means of lines on a surface
She did a drawing of me.
Synonyms
picture,
illustration,
representation,
cartoon,
sketch,
portrayal,
depiction,
study,
outline,
delineation
in the sense of envisage
I can't envisage being married to someone like that.
Synonyms
imagine,
contemplate,
conceive (of),
visualize,
picture,
fancy,
think up,
conceptualize
in the sense of foresee
Definition
to see or know beforehand
He did not foresee any problems.
Synonyms
predict,
forecast,
anticipate,
envisage,
prophesy,
foretell,
forebode,
vaticinate (rare),
divine
in the sense of formulate
Definition
to plan or describe precisely and clearly
He formulated his plan for escape.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
develop,
prepare,
work out,
invent,
evolve,
coin,
forge,
draw up,
originate,
map out
in the sense of frame
Definition
to create and develop (plans or a policy)
A convention was set up to frame a constitution.
Synonyms
devise,
plan,
form,
shape,
institute,
draft,
compose,
sketch,
forge,
put together,
conceive,
hatch,
draw up,
formulate,
contrive,
map out,
concoct,
cook up,
block out
in the sense of goal
Definition
an aim or purpose
The goal is to raise as much money as possible.
Synonyms
aim,
end,
target,
purpose,
object,
intention,
objective,
ambition,
destination,
Holy Grail (informal)
in the sense of hope
Definition
a feeling of desire for something, usually with confidence in the possibility of its fulfilment
Kevin hasn't given up hope of being fit.
Synonyms
belief,
confidence,
expectation,
longing,
dream,
desire,
faith,
ambition,
assumption,
anticipation,
expectancy,
light at the end of the tunnel
in the sense of idea
Definition
a scheme, intention, or plan
It's a good idea to keep a stock of tins in the cupboard.
Synonyms
plan,
scheme,
proposal,
design,
theory,
strategy,
method,
solution,
suggestion,
recommendation,
proposition
in the sense of idea
Definition
aim or purpose
The idea is to help lower-income families to buy their homes.
Synonyms
intention,
aim,
purpose,
object,
end,
plan,
reason,
goal,
design,
objective,
motive
in the sense of illustration
Definition
a picture or diagram used to explain or decorate a text
He made his illustrations of birds as he travelled in America.