Synonyms of pattern

pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn 

1

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

• motif
• design
• motive
• decoration
• ornament
• figure
• scheme
• device
• adornment
• embellishment
• trim
• garnish
• frill
• caparison

2

as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing

her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ritual
• habit
• trick
• way
• practice
• custom
• tendency
• routine
• practise
• fashion
• second nature
• style
• addiction
• inclination
• mode
• wont
• habitude
• characteristic
• turn
• usage
• disposition
• trait
• bag
• groove
• use
• proclivity
• set
• convention
• manners
• tenor
• bent
• rut
• regime
• form
• drill
• attribute
• regimen
• deportment
• mores
• pose
• peculiarity
• rote
• affectation
• quirk
• eccentricity
• singularity
• régime
• tic
• airs
• oddity
• jog trot
• kink
• mark

3

as in routine

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity

with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

• routine
• grind
• groove
• rut
• drill
• habit
• method
• technique
• rote
• strategy
• lockstep
• treadmill
• procedure
• practice
• tradition
• style
• program
• plan
• approach
• regimen
• custom
• design
• scheme
• manner
• housekeeping
• fashion
• policy
• trick
• practise
• daily dozen
• tack
• way
• convention
• wont

4

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

• design
• layout
• format
• composition
• motif
• theme
• arrangement
• configuration
• form
• constellation
• makeup
• getup
• ordonnance

pattern

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to model

Synonyms & Similar Words

• model
• shape
• condition
• match
• adapt
• customize
• fashion
• adjust
• tailor
• suit
• conform
• gear
• fit
• correct
• tune
• accommodate
• readjust
• edit
• square
• acclimate
• put
• acclimatize
• doctor
• root
• harmonize
• establish
• attune
• readapt
• orient
• prime
• alter
• modify
• orientate
• transform
• familiarize
• season
• prepare
• refashion
• redesign
• equip
• acquaint
• revise
• rehearse
• rework
• recast
• redo
• remake
• settle
• inure
• remodel
• recycle
• convert
• reinvent
• revamp
• refocus
• harden
• make over
• toughen
• refigure
• refit
• reclaim
• redevelop
• reengineer
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misadjust

2

as in to stripe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stripe
• marble
• streak
• mottle
• speckle
• variegate
• tone (down)
• checker
• polychrome
• striate
• fleck
• dapple
• speck
• daub
• embrown
• pigment
• dye
• lighten
• brighten
• paint
• color
• tint
• darken
• stain
• tinge
• tincture
• bepaint

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bleach
• decolorize
• whiten
• blanch

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

Recent Examples of pattern

Noun

The investigation marked the first time the DOJ had found a pattern of violations against homeless people, including that officers and other city employees illegally threw away their belongings. —Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 23 May 2025

They’re designed to mimic how human brains work, taking in data, learning patterns and making decisions. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025

Verb

Grass found that the enamel patterns on what is called the occlusal, or biting, surface of the tooth are different for each species. —Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025

Mary’s hair is in tight, skull-close curls, her forehead and cheekbones high, dark and light swirls of wood grain patterning her skin. —Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025

Phrases Containing pattern

• holding pattern