Synonyms of designs

designs 1 of 2

noun

plural of design

1

as in plans

a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plans
• blueprints
• strategies
• projects
• programs
• schemes
• systems
• arrangements
• proposals
• ideas
• games
• recipes
• master plans
• ways
• devices
• procedures
• techniques
• game plans
• road maps
• ground plans
• specifications
• plots
• intentions
• tactics
• purposes
• policies
• maneuvers
• protocols
• maps
• intents
• patterns
• conspiracies
• contrivances
• means
• layouts
• stratagems
• conceptions
• diagrams
• formulas
• tricks
• aims
• subterfuges
• platforms
• collusions
• setups
• counterstrategies
• gambits
• specifics
• ruses
• counterplans
• projets

2

as in schemes

a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

the thief had devised an elaborate design to get the invaluable artwork

Synonyms & Similar Words

• schemes
• plots
• conspiracies
• machinations
• intrigues
• strategies
• manipulations
• maneuvers
• trickeries
• subterfuges
• stratagems
• systems
• artifices
• programs
• counterplots
• counterconspiracies
• contrivances
• drafts
• ground plans
• confederacies
• dodges
• rings
• rackets
• games
• cabals
• frame-ups
• gimmicks
• cover-ups
• tricks
• collusions
• complicities
• conspirations
• connivances

3

as in goals

something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

my design in writing to you is to ask for your support

Synonyms & Similar Words

• plans
• goals
• purposes
• ideas
• objects
• intentions
• aims
• objectives
• ambitions
• intents
• things
• dreams
• aspirations
• meanings
• ideals
• targets
• projects
• pretensions
• points
• bournes
• marks
• schemes
• ends
• hopes
• plots
• wishes
• desires
• minds
• holy grails
• destinations
• grails
• nirvanas
• termini

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• methods
• means
• ways

4

as in motifs

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

the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms & Similar Words

• motifs
• patterns
• figures
• ornaments
• decorations
• motives
• devices
• adornments
• schemes
• embellishments
• trims
• garnishes
• caparisons
• frills

5

as in layouts

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

• layouts
• formats
• compositions
• patterns
• motifs
• themes
• arrangements
• forms
• configurations
• constellations
• getups
• makeups
• ordonnances

designs

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of design

1

as in intends

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

• plans
• intends
• looks
• hopes
• means
• purposes
• wishes
• contemplates
• aims
• goes
• proposes
• tries
• purports
• aspires
• attempts
• calculates
• figures on
• allows
• plots
• dreams
• schemes
• meditates
• debates
• considers
• struggles
• effects
• strives
• endeavors
• mulls (over)
• accomplishes
• performs
• achieves
• executes
• ponders

2

as in plots

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

• plans
• plots
• charts
• prepares
• projects
• shapes
• organizes
• arranges
• maps (out)
• budgets
• devises
• schemes (out)
• outlines
• calculates
• blueprints
• choreographs
• drafts
• frames
• lays out
• sketches
• strategizes (about)
• figures
• intrigues
• contemplates
• concerts
• intends
• machinates
• contrives
• has on
• aims
• conspires
• means
• gets up
• premeditates
• meditates
• puts up

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of designs

Noun

Aquascape designs and builds equipment and other products used in outdoor landscape ponds. — John W. Bateman, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026

The retailer offers customizable holiday photo cards starting at approximately 65 cents each for select 5-by-7-inch designs. — ABC News, 12 Nov. 2026

The jeweler is known for its stunning bespoke (and ready-to-ship) diamond jewelry designs that are made in Los Angeles, as well as a custom engagement ring process that allows you to be involved from the concept to the final creation. — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 12 Nov. 2026

Engineers build successive aircraft and use flight-test data to refine their designs. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 12 Nov. 2026

Back in October 2025, the pair unveiled their handbag designs for luxury label Aspinal of London, introducing two namesake evening bags, the Eliza Clutch and Amelia Bag. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026

Also new are the 17- to 19-in alloy wheel designs and the power-latching sliding doors and tailgate. — New Atlas, 6 Nov. 2026

Celebrities embraced the couture flourishes of his designs, starting with Meghan Markle’s surprise appearance in a custom ivory ensemble at his debut show. — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 5 Nov. 2026

Their designs are recognizable for their large-scale medallions, geometric borders, and floral motifs, many of which drew inspiration from Ottoman art and architecture. — Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 5 Nov. 2026

Verb

In July, Gabbriette wore several custom Matières Fécales x Christian Louboutin designs for her wedding to The 1975 frontman Matty Healy, including white satin pumps with the collaboration’s distinctive curved heels. — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 Nov. 2026

There are colorful beads, mini leather accessories, nostalgic trinkets, whimsy characters, and even designs with a practical purpose. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Nov. 2026

With nearly 40 locations nationwide, Spitz designs its restaurants to match neighborhoods, the website says. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 11 Nov. 2026

Across its wider electric range in North America, Ford designs its power units to operate for at least a decade. — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 10 Nov. 2026

Spines’ cover agent reads the manuscript, researches which retail categories give the book its best shot, which designs work best in those categories, and designs the cover to match those metrics. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 9 Nov. 2026

The social media lawsuits have helped inform parents and the public about how the industry designs products used by teenagers and children, McNally said. — Jonathan Vanian, CNBC, 7 Nov. 2026

Ruffled gowns, sequins and a werewolf hunter dressed in layers of wool are among this year’s costume designs audiences will see on screen. — Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Cardsmiths designs trading cards, including those that celebrate historical figures, cultural artifacts and other unique properties. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 6 Nov. 2026