Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

pattern

noun

Synonyms and Antonyms of pattern

1 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 of pattern

design, figure, motif, motive
Words Related to pattern

scheme

device

adornment, caparison, decoration, embellishment, frill, garnish, ornament, trim

2 a usual manner of behaving or doing

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

custom, fashion, habit, habitude, practice (also practise), ritual, second nature, trick, way, wont
Words Related to pattern

addiction

disposition

bent, inclination, proclivity, set, tendency, tenor, turn

bag, convention, form, mode, style

usage, use

deportment, manners, mores

drill, groove, jog trot, regime (also régime), regimen, rote, routine, rut

affectation, airs, pose

attribute, characteristic, mark, trait

eccentricity, kink, oddity, peculiarity, quirk, singularity, tic

3 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 of pattern

drill, grind, groove, lockstep, rote, routine, rut, treadmill
Words Related to pattern

daily dozen, regimen

housekeeping

custom, fashion, habit, practice (also practise), trick, wont

approach, manner, method, procedure, strategy, style, tack, technique, way

design, plan, program, scheme

convention, policy, tradition

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

  • many of the artistʼs paintings use the same pattern of a lone figure surrounded by a vast landscape
Synonyms of pattern

arrangement, composition, configuration, constellation, design, form, format, getup, layout, makeup, ordonnance
Words Related to pattern

motif, theme

Synonym Discussion of pattern

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.
    • a decor that is a model of good taste
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
pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.
    • American industry set a pattern for others to follow
exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.
    • cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage
ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.
    • never found a job that matched his ideal

Learn More about pattern

  1. See words that rhyme with pattern Dictionary: Definition of pattern Medical Dictionary: Definition of pattern Spanish Central: Translation of pattern Nglish: Translation of pattern for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of pattern for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up pattern? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games