1
as in plan
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective
she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in scheme
a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends
the thief had devised an elaborate design to get the invaluable artwork
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3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
5
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
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1
as in to plan
to have in mind as a purpose or goal
early on she had designed to a top position in a major insurance company
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2
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance
the foreman designed a better layout for the factory floor to improve efficiency
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of design
William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
Featuring a sleeveless crew neck, high waist, and pleated design, the dress creates a flattering, hourglass shape.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
Its exterior was designed to emulate the Sami style, and there is only one cross in the entire structure to avoid an overemphasis on Christianity.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
The park is nearing the end of its design stage, said Heather Gleason, the Chicago Park District’s planning and construction director.
—William Tong, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2025
Featuring a sleeveless crew neck, high waist, and pleated design, the dress creates a flattering, hourglass shape.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
Now the Trump administration is rolling back a whole suite of policies designed to promote EVs, including ending these tax credits.
—Camila Domonoske, NPR, 22 Aug. 2025
Its exterior was designed to emulate the Sami style, and there is only one cross in the entire structure to avoid an overemphasis on Christianity.
—Arkansas Online, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
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The judge has denied Musk’s request to block OpenAI’s restructuring plans, tossed out some of Musk’s claims and permitted OpenAI’s counterclaim to proceed.—
John Hyatt,
Forbes.com,
16 Aug. 2025
-
Residents vehemently rejected a 2019 plan to demolish two buildings with new infill construction, raising questions about how a majority chose a complete tear-down just years later.—
Stacy Torres,
New York Daily News,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
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So yes, before the green flag dropped Saturday, with the throwback paint scheme unchipped and pristine — that was the moment that everyone was waiting on.—
Alex Zietlow,
Charlotte Observer,
17 Aug. 2025
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From a scheme perspective, that would also fall on LaFleur.—
Evan Massey,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Each separate agency has a unique purpose, but they are all inextricably connected.—
River Selby
August 25,
Literary Hub,
25 Aug. 2025
-
But is that on purpose, because their conversations are kind of meh?—
Scottie Andrew,
CNN Money,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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New drainage systems installed around the perimeter are covered with white grates with a Stars and Stripes motif.—
Tamara Keith,
NPR,
23 Aug. 2025
-
From postcards and posters to snow globes and accessories, the towers were a frequent motif in pop culture and consumer design.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
22 Aug. 2025
Noun
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At the same time, the report highlights a sharp decline in the desirability of open office layouts.—
Gleb Tsipursky,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 Aug. 2025
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Carved out of the hotel's centuries-old structure, each of the hotel's 15 rooms and suites has a different layout and personalized design.—
Carley Rojas Ávila,
Forbes.com,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Japan Coast Guard In areas known to contain seabed resources, these activities could be intended to prospect marine economic data that supports follow-on extractive operations, the analyst said.—
Ryan Chan,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 Aug. 2025
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That said, when asked about their five-year plans, more family offices intended to increase rather than decrease their allocations to private equity and other private assets.—
Hayley Cuccinello,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
Verb
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State officials advised residents to prepare for the possibility of dangerous conditions along beaches and coastal communities.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
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But as the plant prepares to start production this year, the risks of exposure to the chemical ingredients of electric vehicle batteries have become a central concern.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
21 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Grab the Racing Dudes Premium Picks and the Travers Betting Bible for detailed race-by-race analysis, exact wagering strategies, and multi-race plays designed to maximize your profits.—
Jared Welch,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
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The event aligns with Thailand’s broader soft power strategy, positioning the country as a growing creative hub in Southeast Asia.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
18 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.
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