plan

n.

1. A preliminary sketch

   draft, diagram, map, chart, delineation, time line, design, blueprint, outline, representation, form, drawing, view, projection, rough draft, road map*; see also design 1, sketch 1.

2. A proposed sequence of action

   scheme, project, design, outline, program, idea, conception, flow chart, projection, undertaking, method, system, tactics, procedure, treatment, intention, purpose, proposal, policy, course of action, plot, conspiracy, strategy, stratagem, arrangement, way of doing things, itinerary, prospectus, blueprint, schema, scenario, game plan*; see also program 2, purpose 1.

3. Arrangement

   layout, method, disposition; see order 3.

plan refers to any detailed method or program, formulated beforehand, for doing or making something vacation plans; design stresses an intention to achieve a desired effect and implies the use of skill or craft, sometimes in an unfavorable sense, in arranging this it was his design to separate us; project suggests an ambitious or extensive plan calling for enterprise or effort, and may refer either to the proposal or to the final outcomea research project; scheme often connotes either an impractical, visionary plan or an underhanded intrigue a scheme to embezzle the funds

plan

v.

1. To plot an action in advance

   prepare, scheme, devise, invent, outline, project, contrive, shape, design, map, plot, form a plan, think out, engineer, figure on, figure for, intrigue, conspire, frame, concoct, steer one's course, set guidelines, establish parameters, work up, work out, line up, plan an attack, come through, calculate on, be at, make arrangements, put up a job, reckon on, ready up, take measures, lay in provisions, bargain for, cook up*, fix to*, fix for*, pack the deal*, bore from within*, dope out*, put on ice*.

2. To arrange in a preliminary way

   outline, draft, sketch, lay out, map out, organize, prepare a sketch, chart, map, draw, trace, design, illustrate, depict, delineate, represent, shape, preprint, chalk out, rough in, block out, block in.

3. To have in mind

   propose, think, purpose; see intend 1.