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.
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Recent Examples of design
Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
There's a lust for life that flirts with hedonism permeating everything at Justine's, from the music to the design to the cocktails and, of course, the French cuisine.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Schwab probes notions of female rage, hunger, and love, using the notion of immortality to interrogate the sacrifices women must make in a world designed for their oppression.
—Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
Unveiled at Palazzo Balbi in Venice on Tuesday, the medals boast a sleek aesthetic reflecting the country’s legacy in avant-garde design.
—Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 15 July 2025
There's a lust for life that flirts with hedonism permeating everything at Justine's, from the music to the design to the cocktails and, of course, the French cuisine.
—Matthew Odam, Austin American Statesman, 15 July 2025
Verb
The sports yacht is designed for open-air living, with an expansive indoor-outdoor layout.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 15 July 2025
Schwab probes notions of female rage, hunger, and love, using the notion of immortality to interrogate the sacrifices women must make in a world designed for their oppression.
—Maureen Lee Lenker Published, EW.com, 15 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
Faced with having to cut services for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board solidified a plan July 10 with the Finance Committee that spares three crucial service programs.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
In the film, Superman comes under suspicion by the public and the government over his Kryptonian heritage thanks to a scheme by tech billionaire Luthor to push Superman out of the way of his grand plans to expand his criminal enterprise worldwide.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
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Two sources told Reuters he was suspected of being involved in a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars earmarked for border defenses.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Legally, the Department of Defense can make military bases available to any federal, state or local law enforcement officials for law enforcement purposes, according to the National Immigration Law Center.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
20 July 2025
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As Wolf says, cannabis hospitality’s future belongs to those who serve purpose, not novelty — building a new kind of travel rooted in mindfulness, connection and place.—
Javier Hasse,
Forbes.com,
20 July 2025
Noun
-
The lounge area gets a stylish refresh, with the House’s iconic Web and Interlocking G motifs splashed in a breezy, seasonal palette.—
Erica Wertheim Zohar,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Related: The Newest Hotel in Osaka, Japan, Is in One of the City's Most Impressive Buildings, With an On-site Onsen and an 11-acre Park Next Door There are subtle peacock-tail motifs throughout the hotel, from the kumiko woodwork headboards to the washi paper in the elevator.—
Amber Gibson,
Travel + Leisure,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
The Commons, a 12-hole design by Jim Craig will be the sixth layout at Sand Valley.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
There will be several large, working layouts on display for children.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
-
The pop culture phenomenon features documentaries, educational programming and entertainment shows intended to celebrate and explore the biology, behavior and importance of sharks within marine ecosystems.—
Alexis Simmerman,
Austin American Statesman,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Consider personally submitting your tax payment to the IRS after your CPA has prepared them, review your tax returns every year.—
Anne-Lyse Ngatta,
Forbes.com,
15 July 2025
-
Whole spelt berries work well in breakfast cereal, soups, or side dishes, and can be prepared like rice or risotto.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
15 July 2025
Noun
-
As of now, both strategies appear to be running on parallel tracks in Washington.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
13 July 2025
-
This has become something of a state religion—as much a matter of ideology as of strategy.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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