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

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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 patterns, known as diffraction spikes, only appear when a light source is both extremely bright and highly concentrated. Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 10 May 2026 Inspired by Southern artisans and crafters, the Patchwork Pie uses dough to form quilt-like patterns atop juicy, jammy fruit filling. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 10 May 2026 Track what resonates, quadruple double down on patterns. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026 While revealing patterns, the tool also raises questions about safety, transparency and the limits of public tracking tools. Carolina Cuellar, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026 Long sees the same divide in Navy Federal’s own member data, which captures spending patterns across more than 14 million households, many of them military and working-class families. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 10 May 2026 In interviews, representatives of some companies told me about their algorithms’ abilities to reveal patterns that impressions alone cannot. Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 3 May 2026 In a city, the faintest stars disappear, leaving only the brightest patterns. Jamie Carter, Space.com, 3 May 2026 Infrastructure patterns are another hurdle. Alaina Harkness, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Johnson’s spring 2008 collection featured a bevy of the designer’s signature playful prints and motifs, from ruffles and pops of color to polka dots and vibrant tones.
    Julia Teti, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
  • Glass vases with metallic finishes of unnatural blue, green and gold are drowned in palm leaf motifs, ready to be flowered.
    Christopher Buchanan, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026
Noun
  • According to the bank’s analysis, higher-income households largely maintained their driving habits in March despite rising fuel prices, while lower-income households cut back consumption more sharply, potentially by driving less, carpooling or using more public transit.
    Allie Canal, NBC news, 12 May 2026
  • As studios grapple with consolidation, shifting viewing habits and AI disruption, the festival has doubled down on its role as a global showcase.
    Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • The Moon in Aquarius moves through your 6th House and trines Venus in Gemini, making routines and helpful exchanges flow smoothly.
    Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 9 May 2026
  • Surgeons said patients are increasingly prioritizing results that do not interfere with their day-to-day routines.
    Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • Newer ships have improved insulation and smarter layouts, but the laws of physics still apply at sea.
    David Nikel, Forbes.com, 10 May 2026
  • They are built through intelligent layouts, durable materials, adaptable living spaces and improvements that reflect how people actually live and envision their futures.
    Zakkiyyah Terrell White, USA Today, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • On-pitch leadership from figures like James, Colwill and Fernandez will also help.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Task force member and history professor Bob Weinberg pushed back, saying reassessing historical figures is part of the academic process.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Read on to discover their hosting rituals and shop their eclectic table.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 12 May 2026
  • This is a beautiful romance, full of longing, heat and athletic men doing athlete things (training, competing, spiraling over rituals that may or may not matter).
    Erin La Rosa, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Those include sites like Bonneville Point – where emigrants got their first glimpse of the Boise River Valley and trail ruts can be seen – and Three Island Crossing State Park, named for the most crucial and challenging river crossing in the state.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Their designs integrate modesty as a core aesthetic principle rather than a constraint, resulting in garments that feel intentional and elegant.
    FMG Studios, Footwear News, 10 May 2026
  • The pots feature a variety of motifs from floral designs to western desert cactus vibes.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 9 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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