Synonyms of design

design 1 of 2

noun

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

• plan
• strategy
• blueprint
• project
• program
• scheme
• system
• arrangement
• proposal
• master plan
• game
• game plan
• ground plan
• idea
• road map
• way
• recipe
• procedure
• technique
• device
• intent
• intention
• purpose
• plot
• maneuver
• conspiracy
• policy
• gambit
• collusion
• stratagem
• layout
• conception
• aim
• subterfuge
• means
• tactic
• ruse
• protocol
• contrivance
• map
• trick
• pattern
• setup
• platform
• diagram
• formula
• counterstrategy
• counterplan
• projet
• specific(s)
• specification(s)

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

• scheme
• conspiracy
• plot
• intrigue
• strategy
• machination
• manipulation
• maneuver
• subterfuge
• trickery
• program
• system
• stratagem
• counterconspiracy
• draft
• dodge
• racket
• cabal
• frame-up
• ground plan
• contrivance
• ring
• cover-up
• counterplot
• confederacy
• collusion
• gimmick
• game
• complicity
• trick
• conniving
• artifice
• connivance
• conspiration

3

as in purpose

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

my design in writing to you is to ask for your support

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• purpose
• goal
• idea
• aim
• intent
• intention
• thing
• objective
• object
• ambition
• dream
• meaning
• aspiration
• ideal
• project
• target
• point
• end
• name of the game
• mark
• scheme
• pretension
• hope
• bourne
• mind
• desire
• plot
• wish
• holy grail
• destination
• grail
• nirvana
• terminus

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• method
• means
• way

4

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

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

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

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

design

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈzīn 

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plan
• intend
• look
• hope
• contemplate
• aim
• purpose
• mean
• go
• try
• propose
• wish
• calculate
• aspire
• attempt
• allow
• figure on
• meditate
• dream
• purport
• consider
• scheme
• debate
• endeavor
• struggle
• strive
• effect
• achieve
• accomplish
• execute
• plot
• mull (over)
• ponder
• perform

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

• plan
• prepare
• organize
• project
• arrange
• plot
• budget
• shape
• devise
• chart
• calculate
• blueprint
• outline
• scheme (out)
• map (out)
• draft
• choreograph
• frame
• lay out
• strategize (about)
• sketch
• contemplate
• concert
• intend
• figure
• conspire
• contrive
• aim
• get up
• intrigue
• have on
• machinate
• mean
• put up
• meditate
• premeditate

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

Recent Examples of design

Noun

Meanwhile, the cuffs of Parker's dress sleeves featured an intricate lace design mirrored at the hem of the knee-length skirt. —Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 June 2026

This brick colonial, tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac in Devonwood, one of Farmington’s premier communities, defines design excellence, luxury, and comfort. —James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2026

Verb

Furthermore, tech companies designed their platforms to heighten conflict and thereby prolong engagement. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 15 June 2026

The near-future emotional drama stars Ayase Haruka and Yamamoto Daigo as a grieving married couple who receive a humanoid infant robot designed to look like their late son, forcing both to confront their individual paths of silent grief. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 15 June 2026