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design

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

noun

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Synonyms & Antonyms of design

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective

she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck

Synonyms for design

Words Related to design

procedure,
protocol

2 a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends

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

Synonyms for design

Words Related to design

frame-up

3 something that one hopes or intends to accomplish

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

Synonyms for design

Words Related to design

grail,
holy grail

nirvana

Phrases Synonymous with design

name of the game

Near Antonyms for design

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

the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms for design

Words Related to design

scheme

device

5 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 for design

Words Related to design

motif,
theme

design

verb

Synonyms of design (Entry 2 of 2)

1 to have in mind as a purpose or goal

early on she had designed to a top position in a major insurance company

Synonyms for design

aim,
allow
[chiefly Southern & Midland],
aspire,
calculate,
contemplate,
go
[chiefly Southern & Midland],
intend,
look,
mean,
meditate,
plan,
propose,
purport,
purpose

Words Related to design

plot,
scheme

Phrases Synonymous with design

figure on

2 to work out the details of (something) in advance

the foreman designed a better layout for the factory floor to improve efficiency

Synonyms for design

Words Related to design

concert,
get up

Frequently Asked Questions About design

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

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