pattern 1 of 2

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as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged many of the artist's paintings use the same pattern of a lone figure surrounded by a vast landscape

Synonyms & Similar Words

pattern

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pattern differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pattern are example, exemplar, ideal, and model. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

When is it sensible to use example instead of pattern?

In some situations, the words example and pattern are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to pattern?

Although the words exemplar and pattern have much in common, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can ideal take the place of pattern?

The meanings of ideal and pattern largely overlap; however, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When might model be a better fit than pattern?

The words model and pattern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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 pattern
Noun
This set includes needle tips and cables of different sizes, allowing knitters to customize their tools for specific patterns, plus yarn, accessories and a stylish case to store it in – all for less than $30. Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025 In cities like Mexico City, groundwater depletion and erratic weather patterns make water trucks a daily necessity. Matt Damon, TIME, 22 Mar. 2025
Verb
What doesn’t: Distressed, patterned, or overly trendy types of jeans that compete for attention. Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025 The newbie generative AI seems to have successfully patterned this form of logic. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern
Noun
  • And with so many jungle motifs to play with, there’s lots to explore.
    Maggie Griswold, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Mirador de la Flor, which translates to Lookout of the Flower, features a motif of white roses and a life-size bronze statue of the singer leaning against a center pillar, looking over the Corpus Christi Bay.
    Jacqueline Weiss, People.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In this case, the prayer is the Taraweeh, a nightly ritual of Ramadan.
    Eric Nagourney, New York Times, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Build rituals that connect your team across time zones.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Quite like her music, which spans psychedelia, neo-soul, and hyper-present instruments, her beauty routine is a space to embody that energy.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While promoting her debut children's book, A Kids Book About Periods, the actress participated in PEOPLE's Kids Interview and was asked by kids about everything from her skincare routine to her favorite dress that she's worn this year.
    Kayla Grant, People.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Its compact design keeps your hands free while offering enough room for your phone and other small daily essentials.
    Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 1 Apr. 2025
  • But a fourth model in a platinum case—limited to just 200 examples—offers a slanted take on the 1928 design: Its hours window sits at 10 o’clock, and its minutes window is at 6 o’clock.
    Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Wright and his colleagues analyzed InSight’s data to model the types of rocks and water saturation levels that might explain the seismic activity detected about 10 to 12 kilometers below the Martian surface.
    Victoria Corless, Space.com, 21 Mar. 2025
  • By providing news that incorporates political debate and dissent inside the U.S., the networks aim to promote and model pluralistic American ideals.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 21 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • But the real secret lies in the tomato sauce that stripes the center and top of the loaf, which is spiked with red wine.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, The Denver Post, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Listen to this article A purple and white striped beanie hat with green accents.
    Elizabeth Marie Himchak, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The teen’s happy image, usually in a red polo shirt and carrying a backpack, is as popular in souvenir shops across town as Francis in his simple brown habit.
    Time, Time, 27 Mar. 2025
  • As global media and consumption habits evolve, the NBA wishes to capitalize on opportunities to produce games in new and unique ways, the commissioner said.
    Dan Bernstein, Sportico.com, 27 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
  • That perspective extended from the interiors to the layout.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 19 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 4 Apr. 2025.

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