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as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

design

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun design contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of design are plan, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When can plan be used instead of design?

The words plan and design are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When would plot be a good substitute for design?

The synonyms plot and design are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is project a more appropriate choice than design?

The words project and design can be used in similar contexts, but project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to design?

Although the words scheme and design have much in common, scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

Examples Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of design
Noun
But the aircraft clearly exhibit sophisticated, cutting-edge designs. Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025 Enmeshing bold design codes with premium quality, the collection features pricing that starts at $295 USD for vests, $375 USD for jackets and $495 USD for long coats. Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 7 Jan. 2025
Verb
Synthetic biologists can use GEMs to design entirely new organisms or metabolic pathways from scratch. Blaise Manga Enuh, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2025 This law supported the 14th and 15th Amendments, which were designed to ensure the right of African American men to vote. Brittany Friedman / Made By History, TIME, 6 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for design 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • That was an initial fear among some when the plan was first mooted, as a good run in Europe — and especially reaching the group stages — can be worth millions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 13 Jan. 2025
  • Now is an excellent moment to be brave and explore new projects, people and plans.
    Kyle Thomas, People.com, 12 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The scheme, which launches on January 14th, is only available in Korea for now, with expansion to other countries planned for the future.
    Janhoi McGregor, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025
  • The scheme, initiated by the Bauadvisor dog services company, launched on Sunday in Rome at four major cultural sites, among them the Museum of the Ara Pacis, the MAXXI museum of contemporary art, and Castel Sant’Angelo.
    George Nelson, ARTnews.com, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • However, the purpose of the coenzyme is not just the appearance of eternal youth.
    Essence, Essence, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Plus, headbands serve a practical purpose too by keeping your hair out of your face.
    Kiana Murden, Vogue, 9 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Rather, the objects, motifs, and designs serve as expressed cultural values.
    Dana Taylor, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
  • Fire, as the title suggests, provides a central motif of the book and a parable about the precariousness of existence: While the monks struggle to keep the flame of passion alive within, wildfires from without threaten to engulf them and destroy everything.
    Anderson Tepper, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The living room, with exposures on either side, highlights the home’s pinwheel layout, in which rooms radiate out from the center like spokes on a wheel.
    David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Near Kenneth Fire Samsung Updates Galaxy S24, S23, S22, S21—But S25 Will Be Different The layout of the Epomaker Galaxy 100 is 1800 ANSI U.S with a full numpad and volume knob.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Power shutoffs intended to reduce the risk of additional fires have left hundreds of thousands of people across the Southland in the dark this week.
    Dakota Smith, Los Angeles Times, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Trinity Metro had originally intended to stretch the line into Fort Worth’s Near Southside, an active and comparatively dense neighborhood, but budgetary pressures forced planners to bench the initiative.
    Jaime Moore-Carrillo, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Every autumn, as the leaves turn golden and football fever sweeps across America, players of all levels prepare for the season ahead.
    Monty Davis, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Dennis and Cheryl McMurray had come home from dinner on Jan. 7 and were preparing for bed when Cheryl’s cousin called.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC News, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, research shows that rubbing your fingers together while washing your hands is an effective strategy for reducing the number of norovirus particles lingering there.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025
  • The government is set to announce a new tech strategy in early February.
    Paolo Confino, Fortune Asia, 14 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near design

Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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