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
Relevance
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
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
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
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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
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of design
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
Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
With a carbon-fiber body to assist in the target curb weight of 2,734 pounds, the GT3 R rennsport was designed by Style Porsche’s Grant Larson and Thorsten Klein, and features various elements that pay homage to more than one of the German automaker’s icons.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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
In this case, the ACIP guidance formalizes an existing recommendation, which is designed to reduce a very rare, slightly elevated risk of seizures when the two shots are combined into a single injection.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2025
With a carbon-fiber body to assist in the target curb weight of 2,734 pounds, the GT3 R rennsport was designed by Style Porsche’s Grant Larson and Thorsten Klein, and features various elements that pay homage to more than one of the German automaker’s icons.
—Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
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Defending Education’s Nicole Neily, who was also at McMahon’s confirmation, stood next to McMahon when the secretary announced an investigation into the Maine Department of Education for keeping records from parents about student gender identity plans.—
Megan O’Matz,
ProPublica,
8 Oct. 2025
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Containment is part of a larger plan for managing a wildfire.—
CA WILDFIRE BOT,
Sacbee.com,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Cornerback Jourdan Lewis has been playing at a high level, but Tyson Campbell didn’t look like a scheme fit, which might explain why he was recently traded along with a seventh-round pick for Greg Newsome and a sixth-round pick from the Cleveland Browns.—
Ted Nguyen,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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Other rural regions of Italy have had similar experiences and also launched similar schemes over the last several years with the goal of boosting development and combating depopulation.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The description herein is a summary and intended for informational purposes only and does not include all terms, conditions and exclusions of the policies described.—
David McMillin,
CNBC,
8 Oct. 2025
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Each piece was weathered and color-coded to signal hierarchy and purpose, grounding the film’s grand concept of a migrating Earth into reality.—
Kaif Shaikh,
Interesting Engineering,
8 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Scattered across the upper are enamel pins that flip Chanel’s smiley-face and yin-yang motifs through Vans’ own lens, while leather accents and metal hardware elevate the finish.—
Christopher Claxton,
Billboard,
10 Oct. 2025
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Clients can also tell a personal story through custom marquetry and inlaid veneers, incorporating a family crest or a signature motif.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
10 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Generic 3-Bedroom Prefab Tiny Home The tiny home is fully customizable, but the layout my teens like has three bedrooms, each fitting a full- to queen-sized bed, a living room, a full kitchen, and one bathroom with a stunning marble-like shower.—
Chaunie Brusie,
Parents,
7 Oct. 2025
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The street track’s layout is tight and twisty, one that’s hard on the brakes and leaves little room for error.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Verb
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These are not intended for prolonged play and may break.—
Chris McMullen,
Space.com,
8 Oct. 2025
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Here’s a candle that’s an especially great gift, especially if it’s intended for someone who feels affectionately for Maison Balzac’s cartoonish glassware.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
8 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
A week ago, the Boston Red Sox were preparing for their first trip to the postseason in four years.—
Jen McCaffrey,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Participants will learn the basics of Dutch oven cooking and how to prepare various recipes, some that include wild game meat.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Drivers opted for different tire strategies up and down the grid.—
Madeline Coleman,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
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Streaming consolidation, soaring production costs and the rapid rise of AI have forced executives to rethink business models and creative strategies.—
Scott Roxborough,
HollywoodReporter,
6 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 13 Oct. 2025.
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