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
  • Circular motifs carved into the doors are reminiscent of the portholes of luxury ocean liners that once docked nearby on the Hudson River.
    Troy J. McMullen, Architectural Digest, 9 July 2026
  • Both motifs also appear in Shakespeare’s play, but were not understood clearly until the painting, like a missing puzzle piece, helped connect the dots.
    Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
Noun
  • Saving journalism — not newspapers The challenge only grew during his years leading The Charlotte Observer, where Thames helped steer the newsroom through an era of shrinking staffs, a changing business model and rapidly changing reader habits.
    Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 9 July 2026
  • The research angle is what separates lasting habits from short-term aesthetics.
    Allison Palmer July 9, Miami Herald, 9 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 Amelia costs from CAD 145,000 (roughly US$102,000) and has lots of options available, such as alternative layouts, building materials, and even a bathtub/shower instead of the standard shower.
    Adam Williams July 09, New Atlas, 9 July 2026
  • There are also suites, like the Mountain View suite, a two-level tower room with stunning sights, or the Family suite with options for unique configurations of beds and layouts to suit a family’s specific needs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 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 16 Jul. 2026.

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