1
as in plans
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 schemes
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 goals
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
as in motifs
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
the curtains have a lovely floral design
Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in layouts
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 intends
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 plots
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
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 designs
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Enjoy drinks from Guinness' specialty foam art machine, creating custom designs atop pints throughout the evening.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
Mix in metal decals and French manicure designs for a really unique look.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026
There’s also the matter of China and its designs on Taiwan with some commentators now worrying that there may be yet another window of opportunity opening in the wake of the current conflict, the one jumped through by the Chinese.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The first glimpse The designs unveiled on Thursday have given Orlando residents a glimpse of how the memorial will be laid out — though the design is only 30% complete.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Right now there are designs available in stores like COS, Zara, and Favorite Daughter, though its boom promises to multiply as spring weather gets closer and closer.
—Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
His woodwork designs and innovations helped revolutionize the sport.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Family-owned and operated in San Diego County since 1992, Greenway designs and builds outdoor environments that balance beauty with performance — water-wise planting, durable hardscape and lighting that extends a space well beyond daylight hours.
—Philip Jordan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Holloman was a foreman at ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, which designs and builds custom aluminum seats for asphalt, dirt, road racing, and drag racing, the company reported in a Facebook post.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
Joshua Blank, who designs and conducts polls for the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, pointed to Trump’s declining popularity since his reëlection as a liability for the Republicans heading into the general election.
—Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
The bank initiated the power infrastructure company, which designs electrical distribution equipment used in data centers and energy-intensive industrial facilities, at a buy rating.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Having taught classes in neuroscience and disease processes at Chicago State University, Straughter designs her works to draw people in with attractive patterns and colors.
—Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Founded in 1981 by Robert Clergerie, the brand has become synonymous with innovative, architectural shoe designs that challenge conventional aesthetics.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
The soundtrack was chosen by Leo Dell’Orco, Giorgio Armani’s longtime partner, who designs the men’s collections.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Noun
These efficiency gains mean that hybrids using the Amorphous Motor in their powertrains will see a 1% reduction in fuel and power consumption compared to those using existing motor designs, helping automotive OEMs deliver a new generation of low-emission vehicle models, as per the release.
—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Mar. 2026
Enjoy drinks from Guinness' specialty foam art machine, creating custom designs atop pints throughout the evening.
—Caroline Ritzie, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026
Mix in metal decals and French manicure designs for a really unique look.
—Audrey Noble, Vogue, 8 Mar. 2026
There’s also the matter of China and its designs on Taiwan with some commentators now worrying that there may be yet another window of opportunity opening in the wake of the current conflict, the one jumped through by the Chinese.
—The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
The first glimpse The designs unveiled on Thursday have given Orlando residents a glimpse of how the memorial will be laid out — though the design is only 30% complete.
—Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026
Right now there are designs available in stores like COS, Zara, and Favorite Daughter, though its boom promises to multiply as spring weather gets closer and closer.
—Tatiana Ojea, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2026
His woodwork designs and innovations helped revolutionize the sport.
—Rob Nikolewski, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
The new state officer program is run by the Center for Health Care Strategies, a nonprofit that designs and implements policies to improve health outcomes for people enrolled in Medicaid.
—Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026
Family-owned and operated in San Diego County since 1992, Greenway designs and builds outdoor environments that balance beauty with performance — water-wise planting, durable hardscape and lighting that extends a space well beyond daylight hours.
—Philip Jordan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
Holloman was a foreman at ButlerBuilt Professional Seat Systems, which designs and builds custom aluminum seats for asphalt, dirt, road racing, and drag racing, the company reported in a Facebook post.
—Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 3 Mar. 2026
Joshua Blank, who designs and conducts polls for the Texas Politics Project at the University of Texas at Austin, pointed to Trump’s declining popularity since his reëlection as a liability for the Republicans heading into the general election.
—Peter Slevin, New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2026
The bank initiated the power infrastructure company, which designs electrical distribution equipment used in data centers and energy-intensive industrial facilities, at a buy rating.
—Lisa Kailai Han, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2026
Having taught classes in neuroscience and disease processes at Chicago State University, Straughter designs her works to draw people in with attractive patterns and colors.
—Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026
Founded in 1981 by Robert Clergerie, the brand has become synonymous with innovative, architectural shoe designs that challenge conventional aesthetics.
—Shelby Comroe, InStyle, 25 Feb. 2026
The soundtrack was chosen by Leo Dell’Orco, Giorgio Armani’s longtime partner, who designs the men’s collections.
—Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 25 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for designs
Noun
-
Your 9th House of Higher Learning is empowered by Luna’s entry into Capricorn, encouraging you to make plans that broaden your view.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
12 Mar. 2026
-
Secure loose outdoor items and adjust plans as necessary so you're not caught outside.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
12 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
How pump-and-dump schemes work From the Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange, the FBI says pump-and-dump complaints have jumped 330% over the last year.—
Tim McNicholas,
CBS News,
10 Mar. 2026
-
The last year has seen several high-profile athletes and coaches charged by the Justice Department in sports betting and related gambling schemes.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
But his candid portrayal of challenges and tech goals on Thursday was far more measured in tone.—
Evelyn Cheng,
CNBC,
11 Mar. 2026
-
Forward Paulinho has six goals and one assist in the 2026 Clausura, while Alexis Vega has returned from injury.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
The optical range will weave in signature brand motifs such as the eagle and use refined hardware across acetate and metal styles.—
Fairchild Studio,
Footwear News,
12 Mar. 2026
-
The wrought iron table, loveseat, and chairs have charming scrollwork details, subtle floral motifs, and a distressed finish.—
Shea Simmons,
Southern Living,
11 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Drees Custom Homes has introduced new modern townhomes featuring 20-foot ceilings and open-concept layouts, priced from the $400s.—
Mosaic
Mar. 8,
Dallas Morning News,
8 Mar. 2026
-
Rely on Rugs Rugs play an important role in the function and look of conversation-friendly room layouts.—
Kristina McGuirk,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Oncor Electric is requesting that the Fort Worth City Council approve the rezoning of a southeast Fort Worth lot containing a power substation that the utility company intends to expand and renovate, documents say.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
11 Mar. 2026
-
The offensive fireworks may capture the spotlight, but if SDFC intends to compete on multiple fronts this season, its back line will determine how far this season’s early momentum carries.—
Eddie Brown,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
In 1893, Scottish-Canadian author, Robert Barr, wrote a short story about an unhappy married couple that was vacationing in the Swiss Alps when the husband plots to push his wife off of a cliff.—
Mary Beth Skylis,
Outside,
26 Feb. 2026
-
Various accusations were leveled against the owners of both groups during the course of the hearing, with two operators of Cesar Rainey Street being implicated in drug trafficking and arson plots separately.—
Paul Flahive,
Austin American Statesman,
18 Feb. 2026
Noun
-
All of the engineering and ecological blueprints were bound in an impenetrably dense document known as the Yellow Book.—
Michael Adno,
Rolling Stone,
3 Mar. 2026
-
Millions of boxes full of paper and data — oil and gas company leases and maps, insurance policies, architectural blueprints, medical files, tax records, historic newspapers, are stored there.—
Lisa Gutierrez,
Kansas City Star,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Designs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designs. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
