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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
Analyze how people phrase their interactions with LLMs and adjust your content to fit this design pattern. Pawel Rzeszucinski, Forbes.com, 24 June 2025 But these days, those very names are on the tip of the tongues of fashion buyers and collectors in Paris, New York and even L.A. — where celebrities are donning their designs at Hollywood events. Footwear News, 24 June 2025
Verb
Is the packaging consciously designed or needlessly wasteful? Angela Trakoshis, Allure, 23 June 2025 Bottom sea mines are placed on the seabed and designed to detonate when a ship passes nearby. Amira El-Fekki‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • Worries about environmental effects have also been at the forefront, as groups such as the Center for Biological Diversity and the Friends of the Everglades filed a lawsuit Friday to halt the detention center plans.
    Makiya Seminera, Los Angeles Times, 29 June 2025
  • Here are tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm: To reduce the chance of being struck by lightning, when venturing outside, have a plan to get to a safer area.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 29 June 2025
Noun
  • Galeotti said these schemes can increase the national deficit and threaten the long-term viability of health care for seniors, individuals with disabilities and other citizens who need these programs.
    Jenna Sundel Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 June 2025
  • And most recycling schemes are still small-scale, unable to keep up with the sheer volume of cheap and short-use clothing flowing through the system.
    Zoe Bayliss Wong, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Noun
  • And the brands who roll with precision, purpose and personality will define the future of the category.
    Javier Hasse, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025
  • That facility, whose purpose remains unclear, appears to be intact.
    Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 26 June 2025
Noun
  • If you’re all flowered out, try ocean motifs instead—think seashells, starfish, or your favorite aquatic animal.
    Catie Pusateri, Glamour, 17 June 2025
  • The silk suit with a jacquard motif of a siren, paying tribute to the Greek mythological Parthenope, proved the sartorial expertise of the brand.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • The layout of this single-story house includes three bedrooms.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • Also, the new layout places the bus station farther south on the property and closer to some of the homes on Cleveland Street.
    Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • No, Squid Game was not intended to be three seasons.
    Christopher Rudolph, People.com, 28 June 2025
  • Striped Button-downs Nautical stripes have been making major waves this summer (no pun intended), especially in the form of a breezy button-down top.
    Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • This area is fairly rugged, so be prepared for a hike and wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 22 June 2025
  • Gifford announced her resignation from OHS last month as The Connecticut Mirror was preparing to publish a story demonstrating her involvement in the state’s audit of Helen Zervas, owner of Family Eye Care in Bristol, in the days before DSS officials cancelled the audit in 2020.
    Janhavi Munde, Hartford Courant, 22 June 2025
Noun
  • Representatives for the Earthquakes declined a request for an interview on further details about the ownership group’s strategy.
    Annika Merrilees, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025
  • Has Netflix been willing to change its own strategy with the times?
    Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.

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