design 1 of 2

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as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

design

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun design contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of design are plan, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When can plan be used instead of design?

The words plan and design are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When would plot be a good substitute for design?

The synonyms plot and design are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is project a more appropriate choice than design?

The words project and design can be used in similar contexts, but project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to design?

Although the words scheme and design have much in common, scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

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
Noun
The day-to-night nature of all their designs, from the silver cuffs and beaded chokers to the leather belts and suede handbags, is rooted in an authentic sense of self, and speaks to why their accessories have such broad appeal. Talia Abbas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025 The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold. Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
But the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is designed to carry oil, not natural gas. Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025 From $1,598 a night. BOOK NOW Courtesy of Airbnb Courtesy of Airbnb Courtesy of Airbnb Ruth Hardy Park Perks: Terrazzo flooring, piano, gas grill, chef’s kitchen Midcentury modern is the name of the game in this Palm Springs retreat designed by E. Stewart Williams. Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • The up arrows first turned down in February when Trump and his administration rolled out tariff plans for Mexico and Canada.
    Jim Sergent, USA Today, 1 May 2025
  • In late March, Gibbs announced plans to retire in the first quarter of 2026.
    Amelia Lucas, CNBC, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Los Angeles doubled down on a defensive scheme that largely left Gobert unattended in an effort to account for Anthony Edwards.
    Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 1 May 2025
  • The fraud scheme The murder was part of a broader financial fraud scheme.
    Isabella Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025
Noun
  • And then there's still a question after that, of meaning and purpose.
    Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Israel accuses Hamas of diverting aid for its purposes.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another motif of this season is how many of these directors’ later films are not readily available.
    J. Kim Murphy, Variety, 24 Apr. 2025
  • That space wraps around to a fireside den with a desk and a window seat, plus a dining area that has a buffet topped with custom leaded-glass panels sporting a butterfly and hummingbird motif.
    Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 22 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Harada is known for her ability to devise layouts that maximize space and create homes that work for her clients’ lifestyles.
    Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 29 Apr. 2025
  • If your patio isn't covered, add a shaded element to your furniture layout.
    Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This document is intended to provide an overview of the changing state of our knowledge about the process itself and its impact on our environment.
    Alex Goy, ArsTechnica, 29 Apr. 2025
  • The information provided here is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
    Scott Paddock, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Remembering how a few crucial opportunities to work on calligraphy and design at a young age prepared him for his career in film, fashion, and painting, Yi Ming hopes to open similar doors for other young artists.
    Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 24 Apr. 2025
  • Trump has called for interest rate cuts in the current environment, though that would be somewhat counterintuitive as businesses prepare for price increases from the tariffs.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 3 May 2025
  • In actuality, the second incarnation of the Klan remained influential, but Klan denial was a common propaganda strategy.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 2 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 8 May. 2025.

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