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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of design
Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
The scenic design of Sara Ryung Clement and the lights of Paul Whitaker bring Eastman’s illustrations to vibrant life, as do the boldly colored costumes of Danielle Nieves.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Principal William Hook said the courses and activities at CHSAS are designed around engagement and retention.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
The all-in-one design incorporates hooks, a hanging rod, and shelves, and can hold up to 30 pounds of jackets, bags, shoes, and more.
—Quincy Bulin, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Feb. 2026
The scenic design of Sara Ryung Clement and the lights of Paul Whitaker bring Eastman’s illustrations to vibrant life, as do the boldly colored costumes of Danielle Nieves.
—Rob Hubbard, Twin Cities, 1 Feb. 2026
Verb
The Products That Quietly Do The Work That philosophy is reflected in the products Park consistently returns to—formulas designed for daily use and real life, not dramatic overnight results.
—Corein Carter, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Principal William Hook said the courses and activities at CHSAS are designed around engagement and retention.
—Kate Armanini, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
Many residents in Minnesota are doubtful of Homan’s claim that federal immigration authorities are preparing a drawdown plan for law enforcement in the state.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
2 Feb. 2026
-
The philanthropy started by Bill and Melinda French Gates will shutter in 2045 and has plans to make a record $9 billion in donations this year while remaining primarily focused on health care and disease research.—
Sydney Lake,
Fortune,
1 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
Monica Cannon-Grant, 44, pleaded guilty in September 2025 to 18 of 27 counts, including wire fraud, mail fraud and failing to file tax returns related to a scheme in which Cannon-Grant and her late husband, Clark Grant, pocketed thousands of dollars in donations to their nonprofit.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
30 Jan. 2026
-
The lawsuit alleges that pharmacy benefit managers and insulin manufacturers created and participated in a pricing scheme that led to an increase in the price of insulin and increased profits.—
Kyle Werner,
Des Moines Register,
30 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In a consumer environment growing increasingly skeptical, leading with purpose and transparency builds trust and authority that will compound over time.—
Serenity Gibbons,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
In a prepared speech, Kristi Noem lied about the events, claiming Alex Pretti approached agents with a firearm, and that Alex Pretti, an ICU nurse, came for the sole purpose of murder.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
27 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Prosciutto’s Boston sports motif reflects the Pfyffers’ New Hampshire roots.—
Joe Marusak,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Feb. 2026
-
Vuitton is plotting a full-court press throughout 2026 around the motif’s origins, with special-edition anniversary collections backed by dedicated campaigns, pop-ups and other animations and surprises.—
Joelle Diderich,
Footwear News,
4 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
As radical as the AMR26 car may appear, especially when looking at the design of the sidepods, engine cover, and suspension layout compared to the rest of the grid, the fact that the team could only manage one full day of running on Friday is hardly an encouraging sign going into the new season.—
Luke Smith,
New York Times,
31 Jan. 2026
-
Each guest room and suite has a unique layout and design, as is the case when transforming a historic and protected building into a hotel.—
Gisela Williams,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Augmentation pulls teachers, case managers, and maintenance workers away from their core duties, eroding programs intended to reduce recidivism and maintain humane conditions.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes.com,
27 Jan. 2026
-
Prosecutors allege the defendants sold meal packs intended for vulnerable families overseas and exchanged millions in benefits for cash.—
Jennifer Nassour,
Boston Herald,
27 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Egyptian authorities said roughly 150 hospitals across the country are prepared to receive patients evacuated from Gaza, while the Egyptian Red Crescent has set up support areas on the Egyptian side of the crossing.—
Bradford Betz,
FOXNews.com,
2 Feb. 2026
-
That spelling error was made by a young designer who prepared the mechanical, the art which includes instructions for the printer.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
2 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
With the benefit of hindsight, analysts and investors have blamed much of Kraft Heinz’s downward spiral on the brutal cost-cutting strategy imposed after the merger.—
Amelia Lucas,
CNBC,
31 Jan. 2026
-
There are other factors that contribute to layoffs aside from new technology, like overhiring, the state of the economy and a shift in corporate strategy.—
Lisa Eadicicco,
CNN Money,
31 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 7 Feb. 2026.
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