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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 findings pave the way for next-generation energy-harvesting designs, with applications in sustainable low-power electronics and quantum computing. Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 These lightweight screens add to the smooth, streamlined design of the laminar-flow airframe, engineered to minimize drag and improve fuel efficiency. Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2025
Verb
While its apparel is currently designed in Italy, Saudi women are being trained in garment manufacturing to localize production. Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 13 Oct. 2025 OpenAI also will be designing its own gear as part of its work on custom hardware, the startup said. Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • The Alphabet-subsidiary is now operating commercially in five American cities, with plans to launch in several more.
    Jessica Mathews, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • That plan was to eventually lead to a marquee match between two former Shield brothers.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • His conviction stemmed from a series of criminal schemes, including submitting false campaign finance documents, misusing donor identities to route funds for personal and campaign use, and providing fraudulent information to the New York State Department of Labor and the House of Representatives.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Doors and Window Frames in a Deep Shade The final component of Berkus’ three-color scheme is the deeper tone, often a darker shade of the wall color, used for doors or window frames.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • And a lot of the pseudepigrapha, like the fake gospels and fake apocalypses, fill in gaps in the record that can serve latter-day, post-biblical purposes.
    JSTOR Daily, JSTOR Daily, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This particular challenge serves many purposes.
    Joe Boylan, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The Jasper runner model got a rose pink or mountain green colorway update, and is adorned with suede patchwork pegasus motifs and ponytail-like fringe details at the back, a nod to the upcoming year of the horse in the Chinese lunar calendar.
    Denni Hu, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
  • By likening the world to a stage and seeing ourselves as the actors living on it, this meta motif — while classical in concept — resonates strongly as a universal theme for those of us living today.
    Billboard Japan, Billboard, 17 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Google Maps provides a dense but intuitive layout, giving users access to multiple layers of information, including traffic, satellite imagery and public transit routes.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 13 Oct. 2025
  • The layout of this single-story home consists of three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The flip side to Marner’s exit is that the Leafs have cap flexibility and intend to take a swing with it.
    Pierre LeBrun, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
  • The addition, intended for anyone age 10 and older, is a fish tank filter that can be attached to a tropical aquarium.
    Julia Gomez, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Amazon is preparing to cut as much as 15% of its human resources staff, with additional layoffs likely in other divisions, according to multiple sources familiar with the plans.
    Jason Del Rey, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
  • From frustrating sick days to healing family time and back to the ballroom, see Jen preparing to take on the Viennese Waltz below!
    Angela Andaloro, PEOPLE, 14 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Fast-forward to the end of the first half, and the Lions’ decision (and what would have been Kansas City’s usual strategy) paid off for the home team.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 13 Oct. 2025
  • For buyers, extra money dries up GM’s strategy of crafting electrified options for its most popular models like the Chevrolet Blazer, Equinox and Silverado directly addressed what consumers wanted from the automaker’s emerging offerings, said Joseph Yoon, Edmunds' consumer insights analyst.
    Jackie Charniga, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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