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
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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
Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025
The package includes a new gatefold jacket design that incorporates rare photographs as well as the original artwork.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 8 Aug. 2025
Staff Report, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
Heading outside, the open-plan sports deck is designed for lounging, dining, and entertaining, the sun deck offers space for relaxing at anchor, and the sea deck is geared toward water sports.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
The wind-blocking design and strengthened roof, which can sustain snow loads of up to 90 pounds per square foot, make this cottage functional even in harsh climates.
—Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Aug. 2025
The package includes a new gatefold jacket design that incorporates rare photographs as well as the original artwork.
—Paul Grein, Billboard, 8 Aug. 2025
Verb
Scheidel said the development is designed for young, working-class people looking for a chance to buy their first home.
—Staff Report, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025
Heading outside, the open-plan sports deck is designed for lounging, dining, and entertaining, the sun deck offers space for relaxing at anchor, and the sea deck is geared toward water sports.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 7 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
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One plan calls for a tower as tall as 55 stories and 609 feet, setting a new bar as the tallest building in town.—
Susannah Bryan,
Sun Sentinel,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Half of all private-sector workers now participate in the plans, a record high.—
Daniel de Visé,
USA Today,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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After lying about nearly all of his academic and professional qualifications to get elected to Congress in 2022, Santos was charged with crimes including a scheme to steal financial information from campaign contributors, then repeatedly charging those accounts without permission.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
5 Aug. 2025
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Alaska Airlines is updating its Boeing 787s with a new paint scheme and plans to introduce new business class cabins.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
5 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Now, these speedy gadgets have found a new purpose as a fun beach accessory for scuba diving and snorkeling trips.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
13 Aug. 2025
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It was once used as an anticonvulsant and sedative, but today is primarily used for cleaning, manufacturing and agricultural purposes, according to the National Institutes of Health.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
13 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
In a somewhat desultory Virginia childhood, fishing with my father was a recurring motif.—
AFAR Media,
AFAR Media,
7 Aug. 2025
-
Raven motifs crept into the production design at every turn: Nevermore Academy’s front gates, Principal Weems’ office, roof tiles that resembled feathers, and the school’s mascot.—
Daron James,
IndieWire,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Carved out of the hotel's centuries-old structure, each of the hotel's 15 rooms and suites has a different layout and personalized design.—
Carley Rojas Ávila,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
-
At the same time, the report highlights a sharp decline in the desirability of open office layouts.—
Gleb Tsipursky,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Japan Coast Guard In areas known to contain seabed resources, these activities could be intended to prospect marine economic data that supports follow-on extractive operations, the analyst said.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
-
Instead of selling reactors, Oklo intends to provide electricity through long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs), overseeing operations from construction to output.—
Trefis Team,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Build Career Advisors and Internal Learning Paths Create roles or programs that help employees explore new functions, assess transferable skills and prepare for moves.—
Vibhas Ratanjee,
Forbes.com,
8 Aug. 2025
-
This comforting Tex-Mex soup is a cinch to prepare.—
Jenna Sims,
Southern Living,
7 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Pierce Crosby, managing partner of strategy consulting firm Merchant Seven, spoke to these developments.—
Charles Lloyd Bovaird II,
Forbes.com,
7 Aug. 2025
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The company’s strategy emphasizes sustainable growth delivered through a combination of organic expansion and acquisitions, while strengthening relationships with SVOD platforms and international broadcasters.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
6 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.
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