1
as in plan
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective
she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scheme
a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends
the thief had devised an elaborate design to get the invaluable artwork
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
as in layout
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged
the design of the building's lobby encourages the free flow of traffic
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to plan
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
early on she had designed to a top position in a major insurance company
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2
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance
the foreman designed a better layout for the factory floor to improve efficiency
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of design
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Thai design traditionally focuses on creating spaces that feel balanced, harmonious, and deeply connected to nature.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
Success means designing spaces where our clients' customers or patrons or guests feel good, restored, grounded.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
Dedicate a day of your visit to exploring the incredible buildings here, like the creole cottages that blend Caribbean and French Canadian design.
—Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2025
Thai design traditionally focuses on creating spaces that feel balanced, harmonious, and deeply connected to nature.
—Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Mar. 2025
Verb
The system, designed by Lufthansa Technik for Bombardier, is a spectrum of 24 pre-programmed daylight settings to naturally speed up one’s biological clock.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 19 Mar. 2025
Success means designing spaces where our clients' customers or patrons or guests feel good, restored, grounded.
—Christopher Marquis, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
Don't assume the worst will happen, but develop a step-by-step plan for each worst-case scenario.—
Pamela Furr,
Forbes,
13 Mar. 2025
-
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield joined a coalition of 20 other Democratic attorneys general on Thursday to sue the Trump administration over its plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.—
Meira Gebel,
Axios,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The military declares martial law in the town as Daniels and his fellow scientists race to develop a cure, even as the nefarious McClintock schemes to bomb Cedar Creek to smithereens to contain the virus.—
Ars Technica,
Ars Technica,
14 Mar. 2025
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The White Van is a kinetic heist thriller following a troubled young woman who is lured into a criminal scheme that leaves her wanted for bank robbery and hunted by a corrupt cop who doesn’t want justice – but wants the money for himself.—
Anthony D'Alessandro,
Deadline,
13 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The automation of jobs by AI could lead to widespread unemployment and economic inequality, leaving many people feeling powerless and without purpose.—
Cornelia C. Walther,
Forbes,
22 Mar. 2025
-
At that point, sunglasses lose their sine qua non purpose to protect our eyes, becoming a purely ornamental element capable of elevating an entire outfit.—
Teresa Romero Martínez,
Glamour,
22 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
For the business meeting, Queen Letizia wore a suit in a shade of black with a faint white pinstripe motif.—
Julia Teti,
WWD,
19 Mar. 2025
-
Oak doors in a guest bath, and throughout the house, feature a lacquered motif inspired by Native American patterns.—
Michael James Gardner,
Architectural Digest,
19 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
While taking your room’s layout and square footage into account, don't be afraid to think outside the box: how can your sitting room function for you?—
Shivani Vyas,
Better Homes & Gardens,
22 Mar. 2025
-
With layouts ranging from four to eight bedrooms, the residences will average over 7,000 square feet of open-plan living space, with private swimming pools and generous outdoor areas.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
19 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
To be built close to junction 10 of the M1 motorway for easy access by car, it was intended to have a removable grass pitch, which would have made Luton the first club to use such technology.—
Tom Burrows,
The Athletic,
23 Mar. 2025
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Conceived by architect Gilbert Stanley Underwood, who later went on to design several of America’s iconic national park lodges, the building was intended to fold seamlessly into its environment—working to complement the natural beauty of its surroundings rather than overpowering it.—
Sophie Mendel,
Travel + Leisure,
23 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
Tuchel has spent the past three months preparing for the beginning of England’s 2026 World Cup-qualifying campaign.—
Dan Sheldon,
The Athletic,
18 Mar. 2025
-
For example, upgrading the forge lets players improve weapons and armor, while upgrading the dojo trains allies to learn new skills in order to help Naoe and Yasuke prepare for the threats that lie ahead.—
George Yang,
Rolling Stone,
18 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
The fissure shattered the message of unity Democrats were hoping to convey coming out of their annual strategy retreat this week.—
Mike Lillis,
The Hill,
15 Mar. 2025
-
Such cross subsidies have long been a part of higher education's financial strategy, under which students in classes or fields that cost less to teach generally subsidize their counterparts in courses or disciplines that cost more.—
Jon Marcus,
NPR,
15 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 27 Mar. 2025.
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