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
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
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
With its sleek, minimalist design and smooth spinner wheels, this bag gives an aesthetic upgrade to your travel game.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
The latest in the watchmaker’s DC series, which began with the DC1, introduced in 2017, and continued with the DC6, the DC12 (the numbering system is designed around multiples of six, Candaux’s favorite number) marks a departure from the earlier two models, which were both tourbillons.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
Gerber opted for a high-impact cherry red design covered in sequins (very reminiscent of the red-hot Versace dress her mom wore to the 1991 Oscars, alongside Richard Gere).
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
With its sleek, minimalist design and smooth spinner wheels, this bag gives an aesthetic upgrade to your travel game.
—Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
Historically, security operations in extreme environments have relied on passive solutions only designed to collect evidence of suspicious activities.
—Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 3 Nov. 2025
The latest in the watchmaker’s DC series, which began with the DC1, introduced in 2017, and continued with the DC6, the DC12 (the numbering system is designed around multiples of six, Candaux’s favorite number) marks a departure from the earlier two models, which were both tourbillons.
—Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
The Department of Agriculture's funding lapse plan was later removed from the agency's website.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
29 Oct. 2025
-
The five cities are believed to be the first of more to come across ICE's 24 field offices nationwide, according to officials familiar with the plans.—
Adeola Adeosun,
MSNBC Newsweek,
28 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
In the below example, against Real Oviedo’s zonal scheme protecting the six-yard box, three players run away from goal and one to the near-post to attack Marcus Rashford’s outswinger, resulting in Araujo scoring.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
-
All of that has left the Heat seeking answers in the immediate aftermath of Rozier’s Thursday arrest stemming from his alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
25 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
The stated purpose was to win a national championship like LSU’s three previous coaches, but Kelly lost at least three games in all four seasons and never got close to the CFP.—
Chris Vannini,
New York Times,
30 Oct. 2025
-
This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.—
Matt Emma,
USA Today,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
McCormick said each one expresses a distinct element of Rag & Bone’s design identity, including subtle logo stitching, minimalist dials, signature hardware details and other key design motifs.—
Thomas Waller,
Footwear News,
31 Oct. 2025
-
Two cars named Above and Beyond with subtle but unmistakable nautical references—including the port and starboard colors on a boat’s lights, along with design motifs of several famous superyachts.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
30 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Train drivers in the United Kingdom have extensive route training and are required to know the location of every signal and track layout on their route, including in the dark.—
Lauren Kent,
CNN Money,
3 Nov. 2025
-
With its thoughtful layout for laptops, tablets, and other essentials, this expandable suitcase with wheels makes lugging gear through terminals feel effortless.—
Chaise Sanders,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The org intends to continue anniversary events throughout the coming year.—
Andrew McGowan,
Variety,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Congressional Republicans, who voted for the caps, say they are intended to stem a sharp rise in federal student lending over the past two decades that has driven the cost of attendance higher.—
Kff Health News,
Oc Register,
29 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
At the beginning of the week, prepare foods like bean burritos or steamed vegetables to add to salads.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
29 Oct. 2025
-
Graduates complete the program prepared to join the workforce of intelligence professionals.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Trump has confirmed what could be one of the largest mobilization strategies for the party-- a 'midterm convention' ahead of the 2026 races.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
3 Nov. 2025
-
This past summer, the filmmakers embarked on a cross-country tour, meeting with executives at major theater chains to screen the film and outline their marketing and self-distribution strategy.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
3 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share