patterns 1 of 2

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
Flies, those mechanical vectors of disease, may also be worse this year because of weather patterns across much of the US. Meg Tirrell, CNN Money, 14 July 2026 In other words, even when prompted to respond as an average citizen of a particular country, the models systematically aligned more with Western patterns of moral values. Alexandra Figueroa, The Conversation, 14 July 2026 In some cases, that structure can emphasize client throughput, short-term interventions, and faster turnover rather than longer-term care focused on underlying patterns. Wyles Daniel, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 Over time, these patterns can shift the conversation from isolated symptoms to a more complete clinical picture. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 July 2026 These technologies act on patterns shaped by everyone else’s data, targeted at producing responses that look like caring. Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026 While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Catharine Malzahn, Allure, 13 July 2026 Sprinkler systems are also easier to adjust as your yard changes over time because spray patterns, nozzles, and watering zones can typically be modified without digging up irrigation lines. Kamron Sanders, The Spruce, 13 July 2026 Think solid colors, subtle patterns, and classic silhouettes. Annie Blackman, InStyle, 8 July 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Including the brand’s signature floral motifs, the fall 2026 curation featured an array of fabrics and materials from wool to delicate knits.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 14 July 2026
  • Kate Spade is well-known for its whimsical handbags, often featuring fun shapes depicting slices of pizza, gorgeous flowers, delicious fruits, and other playful motifs.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The list-ification of the few remaining major outlets for literary criticism troubles even its purveyors while a generation of readers has come up on Goodreads and learned the worst habits of critical thinking (or the lack thereof) from it.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 July 2026
  • Tenet is a collection of Nolan’s most frustrating habits cranked to 11 — from an oppressive soundscape that eclipses dialogue, to stylish yet flat characters, to a narrative that’s confusingly twisty to the point of contortion.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 16 July 2026
Noun
  • Serious injuries and medical conditions disrupt people's daily routines and can impact their confidence and sense of identity.
    ABC News, ABC News, 13 July 2026
  • Still, regaining their routines does not mean their fears simply disappear.
    Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 11 July 2026
Noun
  • The seating design is commonplace on many European airlines, which use similar layouts in their short- and medium-haul business class cabins.
    Scott Laird, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
  • The charming 1,200-square-foot condo features individual rooms, ideal for buyers looking for an alternative to open-concept layouts.
    Rachel Freundt, Chicago Tribune, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • McKinney emphasizes that true global leadership requires understanding how culture shapes decisions, self-reflection, and actively leveraging differences as a strategic asset.
    Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The Gulf Stream, which brings warm water from the Gulf of Mexico into the Atlantic Ocean and shapes the climate in the United States as well as Western Europe, is part of that system.
    Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Opt for scalloped French tips with blue fresco detailing, or stripes the color of the Tuscan sun.
    Daisy Maldonado, InStyle, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • During his tenure, Rousteing spearheaded the creation of the ‘Balmain Army’, a diverse and influential community of models, influencers, and celebrities that included figures such as the Kardashians.
    Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 14 July 2026
  • The narrative centers on the early careers and shifting dynamic between legendary figures Cao Cao and Yuan Shao as political corruption, peasant rebellions, and personal ambitions push the capital of Luoyang into absolute chaos.
    Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 July 2026
Noun
  • These are objects of belonging that signal specific cultural moments, rituals and aesthetics, and many young people today are starting to experience them for the first time.
    Rotem Rozental, Fortune, 14 July 2026
  • That means obvious things, like medication, feeding, and potty breaks, but also details like favorite toys, spots to be scratched, and other small rituals your pet looks forward to every day.
    Kelli Bender, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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