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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
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Recent Examples of design
Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
As a Mando spinoff, Ahsoka retains the general visual design and feel of its predecessor.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Catherine Habgood
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Sky News Australia has canceled a show, designed to platform controversial debate, after a guest voiced anti-Islam views while wearing a shirt decorated with bacon.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
Vertvie Wireless Bra in Black Another notable design detail is the bra's jelly bands on the bottom of the cups.
—Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
As a Mando spinoff, Ahsoka retains the general visual design and feel of its predecessor.
—Kevin Jacobsen, Entertainment Weekly, 28 Sep. 2025
Verb
This list is designed to be useful and expansive for all, the new and old to permaculture, and those merely seeking perspective.
—Catherine Habgood
september 29, Literary Hub, 29 Sep. 2025
Sky News Australia has canceled a show, designed to platform controversial debate, after a guest voiced anti-Islam views while wearing a shirt decorated with bacon.
—Jake Kanter, Deadline, 29 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
His plan is to pose as a Fish & Wildlife agent, there to question Catalina’s husband about poaching … and then what?—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Here's how Nike's quarterly performance fits into CEO Elliott Hill's broader turnaround plan.—
Alex Harring,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Genians, which uncovered the fake ID scheme, said this latest case underscores just how much generative AI has changed the game.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
27 Sep. 2025
-
The crackdown is part of a broader scheme.—
Lizz Winstead,
Time,
27 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Personality and purpose Upon entering the home, the first room one notices is Catherine's spacious office, which sits just to the left of the front door.—
Lennie Omalza,
Louisville Courier Journal,
2 Oct. 2025
-
While the Sixers theoretically have four centers, one is the brittle Joel Embiid, two are youngsters who haven’t clearly established themselves yet (Adem Bona and Johni Broome) and the other is a near-the-end Andre Drummond, who might also be traded for tax purposes.—
John Hollinger,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Presley opted to continue the ethereal white motif.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Street artist James Goldcrown used his signature Bleeding Hearts motif to evoke, perhaps, that time is love.—
Paige Reddinger,
Robb Report,
25 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
That always amps up the pressure a bit, but the challenging layout of the track really forced me to focus on extracting the most out of the Mustang at low and high speeds.—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Yet there still could be tweaks to things such as the layouts of some facilities, buildings and internal streets as the city and other agencies sign off on various permits.—
Phil Diehl,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The proposal of a drone wall, which is particularly supported by Baltic and Eastern European states, is intended as both a deterrence and defensive barrier, as well as a way to pool resources to bolster Europe’s collective defense.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
The outcome will help define the limits of executive discretion over funds Congress intended to be risk-based and politically neutral, with broad implications for federal-state relations and public safety.—
Robert Alexander,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The latest incidents also highlight how ill-prepared the bloc is amid the growing importance of drones in today’s warfare.—
Silvia Amaro,
CNBC,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Students in Cal State Fullerton’s Master of Social Work program now have access to a new credential pathway that expands career opportunities and prepares graduates to make an impact at schools in their communities.—
Jenelyn Russo,
Oc Register,
30 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Its strategy was similar to the fight against Mexican cartels and Colombian narcoguerillas.—
T. Christian Miller,
ProPublica,
30 Sep. 2025
-
Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
29 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 2 Oct. 2025.
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