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
as in habits
a usual manner of behaving or doing
her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in routines
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
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
1
as in models
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
2
as in stripes
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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
Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
This year, with supply hewing closely to typical seasonal patterns, expect the usual post-summer wave of new inventory to arrive.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
In the deflationary environment, consumer patterns are changing.
—Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, product and service teams can quickly synthesize customer feedback, spotting patterns and insights that drive smarter decisions.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Eddie Bauer Women's Baja Sleeveless Shirt This adorable sleeveless collared shirt from Eddie Bauer comes in three colorful geometric patterns that scream fall.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Patterned Wood Floors Wood floors painted and stained in geometric patterns are popping up everywhere.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
Verb
Tropical weather experts at Colorado State University echo these predictions, saying overall atmospheric conditions, including wind patterns, will shift in a manner that supports a notable increase in activity.
—Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 10 Sep. 2025
This year, with supply hewing closely to typical seasonal patterns, expect the usual post-summer wave of new inventory to arrive.
—John Walkup, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
In the deflationary environment, consumer patterns are changing.
—Eunice Yoon, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, product and service teams can quickly synthesize customer feedback, spotting patterns and insights that drive smarter decisions.
—Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 9 Sep. 2025
Eddie Bauer Women's Baja Sleeveless Shirt This adorable sleeveless collared shirt from Eddie Bauer comes in three colorful geometric patterns that scream fall.
—Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2025
Patterned Wood Floors Wood floors painted and stained in geometric patterns are popping up everywhere.
—Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
-
Loloi x Magnolia Home Sinclair Collection Area Rug Perfect for tying the entire room together, this area rug has antique motifs, subtle distressing details, and neutral shades of taupe that go with all kinds of hues.—
Mia Huelsbeck,
PEOPLE,
6 Sep. 2025
-
Adams’ works celebrated the color and movement through vibrant geometric styles; Shrigley brought forth wit and humor through banana motifs and Stewart leaned into a trippy take on optimism through Pop-Surrealist florals.—
Emily Mercer,
Footwear News,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Some research has also found that evening folks tend to have less-healthy habits than morning ones—you’re just more apt to do things like smoke and drink at night, for instance.—
Erica Sloan,
SELF,
4 Sep. 2025
-
In addition to maintaining good oral hygiene habits at home, such as brushing and flossing, experts recommend tactics like drinking plenty of water, limiting snacks and sugary foods, and quitting smoking to help prevent cavities.—
Cristina Mutchler,
Verywell Health,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The everything shower has nothing on our PEOPLE testers’ routines.—
Jackie Fields,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
-
In addition, people may experience anxiety or depression related to summer's end and the return to school and work routines, Prism Medical Products says.—
Jenna Prestininzi,
Freep.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The building that houses it was constructed in the 1940s; quirky designs abound inside, as do low ceilings and claustrophobic layouts.—
Annabelle Dufraigne,
Architectural Digest,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Coed fashion stories, substantial coverage of the contemporary art scene, surprising interview pairings and minimalist layouts are among the key features of Numéro New York, the American edition of the French magazine.—
Miles Socha,
Footwear News,
9 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Her comments come as Democrats face a leadership crossroads in Washington, with long-serving figures under scrutiny and younger candidates pushing for change.—
Samantha-Jo Roth,
The Washington Examiner,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Plenty of timepiece brands increased their prices, too, in response to those initial tariff figures back in April, according to Hodinkee.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Rise & Dine is a SAVEUR column by contributing editor Megan Zhang, an aspiring early riser who seeks to explore the culture of mornings and rituals of breakfast around the world.—
Megan Zhang,
Saveur,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Hidden on a third-floor mezzanine within the palazzo, the intimate space offering massages and treatments inspired by both Asian healing practices and Italian traditional rituals was enriched by new services, spanning from cryotherapy to express facials intended to fight jet-leg.—
Sandra Salibian,
Footwear News,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
However, any potholes or large ruts will throw everything off.—
Matthew MacConnell,
Forbes.com,
12 Aug. 2025
-
Steep hills, ruts and low-traction surfaces were easily navigable.—
Mark Phelan,
USA Today,
8 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
From grasscloth and linen-look finishes to matte and mica fibrous effects, new wallpaper substrates soften formal designs and introduce a tactile, modern quality.—
Sophie Flaxman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
8 Sep. 2025
-
Smith's designs were selected for Oprah's Favorite Things in 2020 and have appeared in Essence, InStyle and Hamptons magazine.—
Vandana Pawa,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share