planning

1 of 2

noun

plan·​ning ˈpla-niŋ How to pronounce planning (audio)
Synonyms of planningnext
: the act or process of making or carrying out plans
specifically : the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit
city planning
business planning

planning

2 of 2

present participle of plan entry 2

Examples of planning in a Sentence

Noun Careful planning made the party a success.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
As Nicolás Maduro’s vice president in Venezuela, Delcy Rodríguez once accused her political rival of planning to hand over the country’s riches — its vast oil reserves — to the United States. — Helena Carpio, Washington Post, 30 Aug. 2026 Lisa Canny, a seven-time All-Ireland champion on harp and banjo, formed the band in 2024 after years of planning. — Dan Kelly august 30, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026 Estate planning, including wills and powers of attorney, is vital to ensure wishes are honored during incapacity or death. — Cicely Jones, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Plan Your Route Remote 4x4 travel in Iceland requires meticulous logistical planning. — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for planning

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1730, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of planning was in 1730

Phrases Containing planning

Rhymes for planning

See All Rhymes for planning

Browse Nearby Words

planner
planning
planning board
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Planning.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/planning. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on planning

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for planning

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about planning

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