pattern 1 of 2

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

Relevance
2
3
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

pattern

2 of 2

verb

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

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 pattern
Noun
Sánchez showed off her toned figure in a leopard-print thong string bikini and a straw bucket hat while Bezos wore a navy blue T-shirt with blue and white patterned swim trunks. Christina Dugan Ramirez, FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025 Older quilts have been lost as communities have been destroyed and patterning on those quilts may be forgotten. Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
Verb
Giuffre’s advocacy for survivors was an inspiration for Willis, who wore a dress with a butterfly pattern that day, a symbol that came to represent freedom for Giuffre. Lauren Mascarenhas, CNN Money, 29 June 2025 The antique-looking pattern also helps disguise dirt tracked in by guests, pets, and kids. Shea Simmons, People.com, 28 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern
Noun
  • The train also offers a dedicated Wellness Suite, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif.
    Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99 Flaunting over 3,000 hearts on Urban Outfitters’ site, this shower curtain is a hot commodity because of its ability to harness multiple interior design trends at once: including food motifs, gingham patterns, and all things pink.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 2 July 2025
Noun
  • The church’s ritual of confirmation, which marks the passage from adolescence into adulthood, also acquired legal status.
    Thomas A. DuBois, The Conversation, 27 June 2025
  • Jumping off the bridge into the water is a summer ritual for thrill seekers of all ages, despite the warning signs that are posted nearby.
    Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • The goal is that participants learn a 30-second routine but the class uses several moves similar to those used in other dance fitness classes, like Zumba, the couple said.
    Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 July 2025
  • Don't Buy Expensive Tween Skincare Not only will your money be wasted trying to perfect a skincare routine for tweens, but a study in Pediatrics found that elaborate skincare products can be harmful to young skin and may even spark chronic conditions like allergic dermatitis.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 July 2025
Noun
  • Musetti wore a white, leather Bottega Veneta jacket with a woven leather design.
    Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 6 July 2025
  • But archaeologists recovered shattered doll fragments and beautiful China decorated with pink floral designs.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Much of space insurance is modeled off the aviation industry, but space premiums are 10 to 20 times aviation premiums, Reuters reported in 2021.
    Tom Brown, Space.com, 28 June 2025
  • Gigi Hadid is one of the biggest names in modeling.
    Emily Mercer, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • La Ligne striped polo sweater $295 NET-A-PORTER Suzie Kondi Banker striped cotton-poplin shorts $275 NET-A-PORTER Opposites Attract Here, a boxy striped polo contrasts with Tory Burch’s mirrored skirt for an irreverent juxtaposition of casual and statement pieces.
    Christina Holevas, Vogue, 20 June 2025
  • Jockeys riding for the syndicate wear blue and white striped silks that match Brighton’s colours.
    Andy Naylor, New York Times, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Other Republicans talk to Trump too, including Hawley — who then made a habit of informing Washington that Trump wants a softer touch on Medicaid.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 July 2025
  • Give my alter ego a name, describe their key characteristics, daily habits, and decision-making style.
    Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • The layout of this single-story house includes three bedrooms.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 28 June 2025
  • The layout includes a formal drawing room, a dining room, a kitchen with an adjoining conservatory, and even a separate coach house with a kitchen and reception room—ideal for guests, staff, or perhaps a studio space.
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 27 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pattern

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!