PATTERN Synonyms: 188 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn

Definition of pattern next

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

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Relevance

as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

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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

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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

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pattern

2 of 2

verb

as in to model

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misadjust

as in to stripe

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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 pattern

Noun

The project’s goal is not to estimate the number of gray whales — which is currently around 19,000 or lower — but instead to observe their migratory patterns and behaviors. —

Jaclyn Cosgrove, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 The agency failed to act on clear patterns of trouble, was slow to warn the public about the potentially deadly pills and never mentioned that millions of them had been sold to consumers. —

Patricia Callahan, ProPublica, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

The full-length, strapless gown featured a sweetheart neckline, accented with intricate snakeskin-like patterned detailing beneath the bust. —

Violet Goldstone, WWD, 29 Oct. 2024 The work patterns charts provide a detailed view of how employees use Google Workspace, highlighting which apps and activities consume the most time. —

Jack Kelly, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pattern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern

Noun

The innovative food culture of Copenhagen, home to some of the world’s most famous restaurants, including Noma and Alchemist, is an ever-present motif in Larsen’s book.

Ethelene Whitmire, New York Times, 20 Dec. 2024
Rath suggests choosing motifs and cheery hues that speak to you as a starting point.

Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Dec. 2024