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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
David Yurman Classic Cable bracelet: $495 Mom will love this David Yurman classic design. Nora Colomer May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 3 May 2025 Sustainable Features In 2025, deck designs are increasingly incorporating sustainable features. Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 May 2025
Verb
The class is specifically designed to provide an opportunity to ask questions about Christianity and our Lutheran theology. Carin Schoppmeyer, Arkansas Online, 17 May 2025 After a checkout period, the satellite will begin an Earth-observing mission designed to last at least five years. Mike Wall, Space.com, 17 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • Connecticut adopted a phase out and ban plan for PFAs in 2024.
    Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 12 May 2025
Noun
  • Hometown’s stock price rose by more than 900% during the scheme.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 13 May 2025
  • In 2021 and 2022, Robinson received about $76,000 through the bogus billing scheme, according to prosecutors.
    Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025
Noun
  • His purpose was to commemorate the 110th anniversary of the genocide and advocate for the release of 23 hostages detained in Azerbaijan.
    Ralphie Aversa, USA Today, 10 May 2025
  • The screen served different purposes at different junctures.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • Other video motifs include UFOs, idyllic green pastures, and vigorous exhortations to drink only the purest, rawest milk.
    Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 30 Apr. 2025
  • The collection comes in 17 solid colorways and eight patterns, which include small and large floral motifs, as well as stripes.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 30 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The reveal was accompanied by a video showing the facility's layout and weaponry.
    Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025
  • There is also a choice of plates to alter the keyboard’s layout with up to 16 options and 5 accessories to give each keyboard a more individual finish.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025
Verb
  • What was intended to be a private moment became a raw, honest portrayal of the bittersweet reality of being far from home.
    Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 11 May 2025
  • More: Trump stops South Africa aid over land act intended to address apartheid legacy South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has disputed Trump's claims about land confiscation and discrimination against white South Africans.
    Joey Garrison, USA Today, 11 May 2025
Verb
  • Several media outlets reported earlier this month that the Trump administration was preparing releasing the full audio.
    Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 18 May 2025
  • The leaders did a deep dive into how to prepare for the three-game, eight-day stretch, which began last Saturday, with a 2-1 win at St. Louis City SC and followed with the 2-0 win Wednesday against Colorado.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2025
Noun
  • Other 1816 benefits: • More strategy, more intrigue.
    Matt Barrows, New York Times, 14 May 2025
  • Other countries are moving quickly, and without a national strategy, the U.S. risks falling behind.
    Jack Dongarra, The Conversation, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 21 May. 2025.

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