Synonyms of pattern

pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn 

1

as in motif

a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric)

a coverlet with a nosegay of tiny pink roses as the pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

• motif
• design
• motive
• decoration
• ornament
• figure
• scheme
• device
• adornment
• embellishment
• trim
• garnish
• frill
• caparison

2

as in ritual

a usual manner of behaving or doing

her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ritual
• habit
• trick
• way
• practice
• custom
• tendency
• routine
• practise
• fashion
• second nature
• style
• addiction
• inclination
• mode
• wont
• habitude
• characteristic
• turn
• usage
• disposition
• trait
• bag
• groove
• use
• proclivity
• set
• convention
• manners
• tenor
• bent
• rut
• regime
• form
• drill
• attribute
• regimen
• deportment
• mores
• pose
• peculiarity
• rote
• affectation
• quirk
• eccentricity
• singularity
• régime
• tic
• airs
• oddity
• jog trot
• kink
• mark

3

as in routine

an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity

with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern

Synonyms & Similar Words

• routine
• grind
• groove
• rut
• drill
• habit
• method
• technique
• rote
• strategy
• lockstep
• treadmill
• procedure
• practice
• tradition
• style
• program
• plan
• approach
• regimen
• custom
• design
• scheme
• manner
• housekeeping
• fashion
• policy
• trick
• practise
• daily dozen
• tack
• way
• convention
• wont

4

as in design

the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged

many of the artist's paintings use the same pattern of a lone figure surrounded by a vast landscape

Synonyms & Similar Words

• design
• layout
• format
• composition
• motif
• theme
• arrangement
• configuration
• form
• constellation
• makeup
• getup
• ordonnance

pattern

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to model

Related Words

• model
• shape
• condition
• match
• adapt
• customize
• fashion
• adjust
• tailor
• suit
• conform
• gear
• fit
• correct
• tune
• accommodate
• readjust
• edit
• square
• acclimate
• put
• acclimatize
• doctor
• root
• harmonize
• establish
• attune
• readapt
• orient
• prime
• alter
• modify
• orientate
• transform
• familiarize
• season
• prepare
• refashion
• redesign
• equip
• acquaint
• revise
• rehearse
• rework
• recast
• redo
• remake
• settle
• inure
• remodel
• recycle
• convert
• reinvent
• revamp
• refocus
• harden
• make over
• toughen
• refigure
• refit
• reclaim
• redevelop
• reengineer
• rejigger

Dissimilar Words

• misadjust

2

as in to stripe

Related Words

• stripe
• marble
• streak
• mottle
• speckle
• variegate
• tone (down)
• checker
• polychrome
• striate
• fleck
• dapple
• speck
• daub
• embrown
• pigment
• dye
• lighten
• brighten
• paint
• color
• tint
• darken
• stain
• tinge
• tincture
• bepaint

Dissimilar Words

• bleach
• decolorize
• whiten
• blanch

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pattern differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pattern are example, exemplar, ideal, and model. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

When is it sensible to use example instead of pattern?

In some situations, the words example and pattern are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to pattern?

Although the words exemplar and pattern have much in common, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can ideal take the place of pattern?

The meanings of ideal and pattern largely overlap; however, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When might model be a better fit than pattern?

The words model and pattern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of pattern

Noun

Clara Clark Diamond Weave Quilt Set The quilt is patterned with a special technology that fuses the design onto the blanket without bulky seams or stitching, which brings a polished, hotel-quality look to your bed without trapping heat like a traditional quilt. —Jacqueline Tempera, People.com, 2 Aug. 2025

Professional planners, for example, are much less likely to be colorful or patterned. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2025

Verb

Seen from above, its back has a network-like pattern of black markings. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

Now, after weeks stuck in a holding pattern, Slaten is finally nearing a return. —Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 15 Aug. 2025

Phrases Containing pattern

• holding pattern