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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
Gerber opted for a high-impact cherry red design covered in sequins (very reminiscent of the red-hot Versace dress her mom wore to the 1991 Oscars, alongside Richard Gere). Christian Allaire, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025 With its sleek, minimalist design and smooth spinner wheels, this bag gives an aesthetic upgrade to your travel game. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025
Verb
Wilkinson and her team can work on single rooms or completely reimagine the entire interior, originally designed by Edmonds + Lee Architects. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025 Both rack solutions are designed with direct liquid cooling for thermal efficiency and feature PCIe for scale-up and Ethernet for scale-out. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • The Department of Agriculture's funding lapse plan was later removed from the agency's website.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 29 Oct. 2025
  • The five cities are believed to be the first of more to come across ICE's 24 field offices nationwide, according to officials familiar with the plans.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • In the below example, against Real Oviedo’s zonal scheme protecting the six-yard box, three players run away from goal and one to the near-post to attack Marcus Rashford’s outswinger, resulting in Araujo scoring.
    Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025
  • All of that has left the Heat seeking answers in the immediate aftermath of Rozier’s Thursday arrest stemming from his alleged involvement in a sports betting scheme.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The stated purpose was to win a national championship like LSU’s three previous coaches, but Kelly lost at least three games in all four seasons and never got close to the CFP.
    Chris Vannini, New York Times, 30 Oct. 2025
  • This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice.
    Matt Emma, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • McCormick said each one expresses a distinct element of Rag & Bone’s design identity, including subtle logo stitching, minimalist dials, signature hardware details and other key design motifs.
    Thomas Waller, Footwear News, 31 Oct. 2025
  • Two cars named Above and Beyond with subtle but unmistakable nautical references—including the port and starboard colors on a boat’s lights, along with design motifs of several famous superyachts.
    Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 30 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The company’s responsibilities will include developing site layout plans, reviewing cooling system methods, and preparing budget and process calculations.
    Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025
  • Exterior deck areas are plentiful, from the upper aft deck for alfresco dining, to the lower-deck beach club which has a gym instead of the sauna and shower on the typical layout.
    Julia Zaltzman, Robb Report, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The org intends to continue anniversary events throughout the coming year.
    Andrew McGowan, Variety, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Congressional Republicans, who voted for the caps, say they are intended to stem a sharp rise in federal student lending over the past two decades that has driven the cost of attendance higher.
    Kff Health News, Oc Register, 29 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • At the beginning of the week, prepare foods like bean burritos or steamed vegetables to add to salads.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 29 Oct. 2025
  • Graduates complete the program prepared to join the workforce of intelligence professionals.
    Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The approach mirrors Xbox’s Play Anywhere strategy and recent messaging that strict exclusivity is outdated.
    Alex Harrington, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
  • While the Hong Kong listing should enhance the company’s liquidity and visibility, Zephirin added that a valuation re-rating is unlikely without meaningful gains in capital efficiency or strategy execution.
    Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 28 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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