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as in motif
a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in layout
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged the design of the building's lobby encourages the free flow of traffic

Synonyms & Similar Words

design

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun design contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of design are plan, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When can plan be used instead of design?

The words plan and design are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When would plot be a good substitute for design?

The synonyms plot and design are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is project a more appropriate choice than design?

The words project and design can be used in similar contexts, but project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to design?

Although the words scheme and design have much in common, scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

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 design
Noun
And in another first for Netflix, the design of the thronglet characters from the game actually inspired the creatures in the episode itself. Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025 Engineering teams can leverage modular design, breaking down projects into smaller, more efficient components. Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
This adjustable nozzle will make gardening all the simpler thanks to its comfortable grip that’s designed to minimize stress on both your hands and wrists. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025 This year, the H20 chip has become increasingly coveted by artificial intelligence companies, because it is designed to support inference, a computational process used to support AI models like China's DeepSeek and other AI agents being developed by Meta and OpenAI. Bobby Allyn, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • And Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok already on its radar amid plans for 25 aircraft and 49 destinations by 2028.
    Scott Campbell, Travel + Leisure, 6 Apr. 2025
  • However, this safe harbor provision would only be available if there were concrete plans to replace safety-critical and health-critical SIRS assets with remaining lives of less than three years, which would include roofs, plumbing, fire alarms and other safety equipment.
    Bruce Strom, Sun Sentinel, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Detectives arrested a man accused in a lottery ticket stealing scheme that netted him and a partner thousands of dollars in winnings, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office.
    David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 7 Apr. 2025
  • His chief adviser was also charged in state court with taking part in a separate bribery scheme.
    Jan Ransom, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • More than this perhaps, as Sara Halpern, visiting assistant professor of history at St. Olaf college, wrote to me, the attack had a broader purpose.
    Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025
  • The purpose of the show was to reach across the aisle and form connections between un-like-minded people.
    Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 3 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Their rebellious sweaters featuring Moldovan folk motifs paired with baggy cargos offer a fresh take on heritage-meets-hype.
    Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Some of the key graphics include diamond motifs, horizontal stripes, four-directional crosses placed within each diamond and zig-zag patterns reminiscent of the desert mountain landscapes.
    Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Some games won't be compatible, but that will likely be a short list dependent upon the original Joy-Cons' layout and features.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025
  • The food, the layout and the rise of women’s sports means Tom’s draws about half women these days, better than a typical watering hole.
    Brendan Coffey, Sportico.com, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • And, President Trump intends to scale back monies for state and local governments while pushing more costs on states and cities.
    Eric J. Gertler, New York Daily News, 5 Apr. 2025
  • While the Senate spending cuts are set at just around $4 billion, the House intends to cut at least $1.5 trillion.
    Claudia Grisales, NPR, 5 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The move comes just as the U.S. prepares to deploy the USNS Comfort, a Navy hospital ship, to the region in a show of presence and partnership.
    Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • On the other hand, having two more days to prepare might provide more time to rest and focus on the season’s first major.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Through countless films, TV series, Amblin events, awards campaigns and our public relations strategy—this is where Marvin came alive.
    Jack Dunn, Variety, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Yet most of the examples cited, including McKiernan’s ouster, stemmed from differing opinions on military strategy or questions of competence—not differing ideologies.
    Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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