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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of design
Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
These lightweight screens add to the smooth, streamlined design of the laminar-flow airframe, engineered to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025
Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
OpenAI also will be designing its own gear as part of its work on custom hardware, the startup said.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
The findings pave the way for next-generation energy-harvesting designs, with applications in sustainable low-power electronics and quantum computing.
—Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025
These lightweight screens add to the smooth, streamlined design of the laminar-flow airframe, engineered to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
While its apparel is currently designed in Italy, Saudi women are being trained in garment manufacturing to localize production.
—Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025
OpenAI also will be designing its own gear as part of its work on custom hardware, the startup said.
—Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
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The Alphabet-subsidiary is now operating commercially in five American cities, with plans to launch in several more.—
Jessica Mathews,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
-
That plan was to eventually lead to a marquee match between two former Shield brothers.—
Andrew Ravens,
MSNBC Newsweek,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Cornerback Jourdan Lewis has been playing at a high level, but Tyson Campbell didn’t look like a scheme fit, which might explain why he was recently traded along with a seventh-round pick for Greg Newsome and a sixth-round pick from the Cleveland Browns.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Other rural regions of Italy have had similar experiences and also launched similar schemes over the last several years with the goal of boosting development and combating depopulation.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described.—
David McMillin,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Each piece was weathered and color-coded to signal hierarchy and purpose, grounding the film’s grand concept of a migrating Earth into reality.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Scattered across the upper are enamel pins that flip Chanel’s smiley-face and yin-yang motifs through Vans’ own lens, while leather accents and metal hardware elevate the finish.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
10 Oct. 2025
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Clients can also tell a personal story through custom marquetry and inlaid veneers, incorporating a family crest or a signature motif.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Google Maps provides a dense but intuitive layout, giving users access to multiple layers of information, including traffic, satellite imagery and public transit routes.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
13 Oct. 2025
-
The layout of this single-story home consists of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.—
Bay Area Home Report,
Mercury News,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
These are not intended for prolonged play and may break.—
Chris McMullen,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
-
Here’s a candle that’s an especially great gift, especially if it’s intended for someone who feels affectionately for Maison Balzac’s cartoonish glassware.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Amazon is preparing to cut as much as 15% of its human resources staff, with additional layoffs likely in other divisions, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans.—
Jason Del Rey,
Fortune,
15 Oct. 2025
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From frustrating sick days to healing family time and back to the ballroom, see Jen preparing to take on the Viennese Waltz below!—
Angela Andaloro,
PEOPLE,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Fast-forward to the end of the first half, and the Lions’ decision (and what would have been Kansas City’s usual strategy) paid off for the home team.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
13 Oct. 2025
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For buyers, extra money dries up GM’s strategy of crafting electrified options for its most popular models like the Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox and Silverado directly addressed what consumers wanted from the automaker’s emerging offerings, said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds' consumer insights analyst.—
Jackie Charniga,
USA Today,
13 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 15 Oct. 2025.
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