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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

Example 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
The experience of working with elite football clubs exposed Bord to inefficiencies, and the absence of sophisticated algorithms that his company designs. Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2025 Tucked away in the resort’s newest and most secluded area, Butler Villas feature design that nods to the natural beauty of Saint Lucia. AFAR Media, 30 May 2025
Verb
Accommodations range from double-occupancy Mountain King and Bunk Rooms to connecting suites designed for families and groups, each with modern features such as workspaces, mini fridges, and wool camp blankets. Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 30 May 2025 When garments and textiles are designed on two separate timelines, Konings said there’s no connection point between the textile engineer and the fashion designer. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 30 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • But Andrea Jenkins, who represents the area and supports the city's plan, said residents around the square want vehicle traffic.
    N'dea Yancey-Bragg, USA Today, 25 May 2025
  • Merz wasted no time in trumpeting a plan to dramatically boost Germany’s role in Europe’s defense.
    Ian Bremmer, Time, 24 May 2025
Noun
  • The scheme was investigated by several federal agencies, including the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG) and IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI).
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That includes knowing the scheme in the run game, being violent at the point of attack.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
  • This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, legal, or cryptocurrency advice.
    William Jones, USA Today, 22 May 2025
  • As new innovations take hold and produce positive results, remember to prune old practices that are no longer working or have outlived their purpose.
    Michael B. Horn, Forbes.com, 21 May 2025
Noun
  • Johnson makes paintings and mosaics on square white tiles—often incorporating the material of one of Johnson’s favorite motifs, shea butter, the hearty soul food of moisturizing agents.
    Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 May 2025
Noun
  • The high-shine finish is both durable and reflective, bringing a bit of glow to this galley layout.
    Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025
  • The unlimited coworking offer with access to an open layout lounge is $199 a month.
    Samantha Gowen, Oc Register, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The move is expected to impact millions of borrowers who haven’t paid their loans for approximately nine months, and the Trump administration intends to garnish a portion of workers’ wages if their loans remain unpaid.
    Alison Durkee, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • That arrangement was always intended to be temporary, but for nearly two decades, the details of untangling such massive, important institutions have bedeviled three presidential administrations – including Trump’s first.
    Andrea Riquier, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Verb
  • Some observers insist Moscow could be prepared to launch more limited assaults on NATO soil as little as six months after the end of the war in Ukraine.
    Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 May 2025
  • The best way to protect against unhealthy messages about masculinity is for parents to be prepared with a counter narrative for their family.
    Ashleigh N. DeLuca, Parents, 29 May 2025
Noun
  • Amy Cameron – an executive, writer and producer – and Tassie Cameron, a showrunner and executive producer – founded Cameron Pictures and manage it alongside executive producer Alex Patrick, who leads on strategy and business and legal affairs.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 26 May 2025
  • What happens next? Kennedy has stated that a follow-up report outlining a strategy and potential policy reforms for addressing childhood chronic illness will be released in mid-August 2025.
    Paul Dawson, The Conversation, 26 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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