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
According to the news release, the catalog documents births, injuries, migration patterns, and ages. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026 Your ruler Mercury is retrograde, and its meeting with the Moon encourages a closer look at familiar patterns. — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 8 Nov. 2026 Those complex political patterns are also reflected nationally. — Krysta Fauria, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026 Deer print is having a moment, but don’t count out classic patterns like leopard, tiger, and zebra either. — Fernanda Pérez Sánchez, Glamour, 8 Nov. 2026 Companies like Caesarstone, Cosentino and Cambria manufacture it in an array of colors and patterns, and sell it through dealerships and big-box stores. — The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026 Investigators said the notes contained distinctive writing patterns and asked anyone who recognized the style to contact authorities. — Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 1 Nov. 2026 The building already has materials, dimensions, defects, histories, neighbors, owners, previous uses, and established patterns of maintenance or neglect. — Julian Rose, Artforum, 1 Nov. 2026 When soil remains saturated for extended periods, oxygen becomes limited and chemical changes can create distinctive colors and patterns. — Dr. Avishesh Neupane, Hartford Courant, 1 Nov. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Simple designs feature seasonal color themes or basic designs, while more ornate doormats feature intricate motifs or novelty shapes.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Designed from scratch, the NHL and Fanatics aimed to get details like local landmarks, motifs and culture more involved when creating the jerseys for each team.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Third, adopt sustainable habits by supporting local and slow-made brands.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The tricky job of understanding the desires and habits of an always-evolving consumer has taken on new complexity since the advent of artificial intelligence.
    — Evan Clark, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Technical Adaptability And Self-Taught Curiosity Technological shifts have outpaced slow, formal training routines.
    — Marco Stefanini, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Research also shows that people confide in a friendly character more than a plain tool, sharing moods, routines, relationships and preferences.
    — Ankolika De, The Conversation, 5 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Outlooks and layouts vary but most rooms come with ravishing views of the Bosphorus; a few have terraces or gardens, while the split-level 5920-square-foot Peninsula Suite has a private rooftop terrace, outdoor swimming pool, gym, and hammam.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The dungeons were ominous, multi-level complexes with layouts both eldritch and natural, no longer limited to square tile arrangements.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Verb
  • That level of detail shapes everything from event content to how a sales team frames a demo.
    — Rob Sanchez, Forbes.com, 6 Nov. 2026
  • The centers are based on Bill Strickland's belief that environment shapes behavior.
    — Kristine Sorensen, CBS News, 6 Nov. 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
  • There will be nonstop panels on TV and livestreams, analysts repeating analysis of days-old polls, and — come afternoon — figures from exit polls suggesting that Hispanics are voting in large numbers, or that the economy is a major issue.
    — Ben Smith, semafor.com, 3 Nov. 2026
  • In fact, only 33 colleges and universities in the country admit 10% or fewer of their undergraduate applicants, NACAC figures show.
    — Jon Marcus, NPR, 2 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Remembrance rituals could grow more personal and less performative.
    — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Long used in pagan rituals and spell casting—typically placed on dedicated altars—candles are seen as the bridge between the physical and spiritual realms.
    — Francesca Perry, Vogue, 29 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 9 Nov. 2026.

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