Synonyms of pattern

pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn 

1

as in motif

a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

2

as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing

her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ritual
• habit
• trick
• way
• practice
• custom
• tendency
• routine
• practise
• fashion
• second nature
• style
• addiction
• inclination
• mode
• wont
• habitude
• characteristic
• turn
• usage
• disposition
• trait
• bag
• groove
• use
• proclivity
• set
• convention
• manners
• tenor
• bent
• rut
• regime
• form
• drill
• attribute
• regimen
• deportment
• mores
• pose
• peculiarity
• rote
• affectation
• quirk
• eccentricity
• singularity
• régime
• tic
• airs
• oddity
• jog trot
• kink
• mark

3

as in routine

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity

with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

• routine
• grind
• groove
• rut
• drill
• habit
• method
• technique
• rote
• strategy
• lockstep
• treadmill
• procedure
• practice
• tradition
• style
• program
• plan
• approach
• regimen
• custom
• design
• scheme
• manner
• housekeeping
• fashion
• policy
• trick
• practise
• daily dozen
• tack
• way
• convention
• wont

4

as in design

the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged

many of the artist's paintings use the same pattern of a lone figure surrounded by a vast landscape

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

pattern

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to model

Synonyms & Similar Words

• model
• shape
• condition
• match
• adapt
• customize
• fashion
• adjust
• tailor
• suit
• conform
• gear
• fit
• correct
• tune
• accommodate
• readjust
• edit
• square
• acclimate
• put
• acclimatize
• doctor
• root
• harmonize
• establish
• attune
• readapt
• orient
• prime
• alter
• modify
• orientate
• transform
• familiarize
• season
• prepare
• refashion
• redesign
• equip
• acquaint
• revise
• rehearse
• rework
• recast
• redo
• remake
• settle
• inure
• remodel
• recycle
• convert
• reinvent
• revamp
• refocus
• harden
• make over
• toughen
• refigure
• refit
• reclaim
• redevelop
• reengineer
• rejigger

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• misadjust

2

as in to stripe

Synonyms & Similar Words

• stripe
• marble
• streak
• mottle
• speckle
• variegate
• tone (down)
• checker
• polychrome
• striate
• fleck
• dapple
• speck
• daub
• embrown
• pigment
• dye
• lighten
• brighten
• paint
• color
• tint
• darken
• stain
• tinge
• tincture
• bepaint

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• bleach
• decolorize
• whiten
• blanch

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pattern differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pattern are example, exemplar, ideal, and model. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

When is it sensible to use example instead of pattern?

In some situations, the words example and pattern are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to pattern?

Although the words exemplar and pattern have much in common, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can ideal take the place of pattern?

The meanings of ideal and pattern largely overlap; however, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When might model be a better fit than pattern?

The words model and pattern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

Examples of pattern in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Among the options are solid patterns and vertical and horizontal stripes, such as this cream, red, and yellow design that’s exudes autumn. —Megan Schaltegger, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2024

The extreme weather patterns caused infections in cocoa trees that rotted the cocoa fruit. —Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Sep. 2024

Verb

For Federici, the personal and political have always been tightly interwoven—the intimate dramas of relationships and routines patterned by the machinations of power and, in turn, rebellion. —Hazlitt, 4 Sep. 2024

Tall or flat, solid or patterned, close-knit or wide-brimmed: Fall’s jauntiest accessory is also its most dazzlingly variable. —Sean Thomas, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2024

Phrases Containing pattern

• holding pattern