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
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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
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3
as in goals
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
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4
as in motifs
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)
the curtains have a lovely floral design
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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
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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
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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
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Thesaurus Entries Near designs
Cite this Entry
“Designs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/designs. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.
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More from Merriam-Webster on designs
Nglish: Translation of designs for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of designs for Arabic Speakers
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