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Synonyms

plan B

American  
Or Plan B

noun

  1. a strategy or plan to be implemented if the original one proves impracticable or unsuccessful.

Etymology

Origin of plan B

First recorded in 1975–80; from the assumption that the original plan is “plan A”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

For that reason, you should have a plan A, plan B and plan C, and write down the pros and cons of each one.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 21, 2026

"But I hope it will all work out. We have a plan B, a plan C, and a plan D," he continued.

From BBC • Dec. 21, 2025

John Conca, an analyst at investment research firm Third Bridge, agreed that the pressure will be on Paramount and Comcast to come up with a plan B if Netflix succeeds with its offer.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 5, 2025

Other than regulation supporting this sector, there's no plan B.

From BBC • Dec. 1, 2025

It’s always a good idea to keep a plan B in the back of your mind so you can get safely down to earth no matter what happens to you in the air.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.