patterns 1 of 2

Definition of patternsnext
plural of pattern
1
as in motifs
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 layouts
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

patterns

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pattern

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 patterns
Noun
These systems often involve black holes of unequal mass and display strong wobbling and irregular spin patterns. Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 12 Apr. 2026 Its elevation is around 7,000 feet, leading to cooler and wetter weather patterns for communities surrounding the divide in Douglas, Elbert, and El Paso counties. Olivia Young, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026 It’s made out of easy-to-clean nylon and comes in a whopping 50 different colors and patterns. Rebecca Shinners, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026 Climate change is altering weather patterns across the West, warming temperatures, increasing evaporation and reducing snowpack. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 12 Apr. 2026 About 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas moves through the strait on its way to markets spanning the globe, and DHL said last week that shipping patterns may not normalize for four to six months. Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 12 Apr. 2026 Having worked with enough companies post-flattening, the patterns are clear. Kristien Turner, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2026 Rhobak likewise offers an Azalea Collection, though with bold flower patterns designed to invoke the feel of being on the grounds of Augusta National. Dave Skretta, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026 Bands of darker skin often followed similar patterns from patient to patient—a series of V’s along the upper spine, S’s along the abdomen, and an inverted U across each breast. Jerome Groopman, New Yorker, 6 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Lemann, like the talkative older ladies of her youth, clutches the motifs of her past like talismans.
    Brandy Jensen, New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Its elegant style fits most bathroom motifs.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While they are considered apex predators, grizzlies are mostly opportunistic in their eating habits than wolves, Cummings said.
    Sharon Bernstein, Sacbee.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The narrators of these songs are trapped inside their habits, aware that the inertia of their personalities is too strong to be moved by another person.
    Daniel Felsenthal, Pitchfork, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Families of the district’s more than 390,000 students are reeling with the prospect of life routines thrown into days of uncertainty.
    Nicole Macias Garibay, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
  • So don't forget to eat right, exercise and maintain beneficial routines.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • All 39 have different layouts, views, and furnishings, and some feature pieces from the historic Ritz Paris, bought at the renovation auction of 2016.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Features like Snap layouts, improved search, and virtual desktops help manage multiple tasks more effectively.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But many senior figures within the sport point to claims of positive fan feedback, although so far no official numbers have been released to support these claims from the F1 organization.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Executives at United and American Airlines reported similar figures.
    Rio Yamat, Chicago Tribune, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Humiliation rituals were driving players away from the game.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • The film shifts the focus from traditional narratives of policy and victimhood to the everyday experiences of individuals adapting to a life of constant threat, raising critical questions about whether these safety rituals signify true preparedness or a surrender to violence.
    Brande Victorian, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, tilling wet soil can do more harm than good by creating dense soil layers and deep ruts.
    Nora Doonan, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Regular theme-parkgoers may find themselves in ruts, making favorites their top priority while avoiding others out of habit.
    Dewayne Bevil, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Rumors about the product have been swirling since last year, and the latest scoop says the company may be testing four different designs for the wearable.
    Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026
  • These stunning designs can showcase the surrounding landscape or draw attention to striking features like a sleek fence or a bold front door color.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on patterns

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster