pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn How to pronounce pattern (audio)
Definition of patternnext
1
as in motif
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

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2
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

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3
as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern

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4
as in design
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

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pattern

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to model

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stripe

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pattern differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pattern are example, exemplar, ideal, and model. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

When is it sensible to use example instead of pattern?

In some situations, the words example and pattern are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to pattern?

Although the words exemplar and pattern have much in common, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can ideal take the place of pattern?

The meanings of ideal and pattern largely overlap; however, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When might model be a better fit than pattern?

The words model and pattern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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 pattern
Noun
The investigation marked the first time the DOJ had found a pattern of violations against homeless people, including that officers and other city employees illegally threw away their belongings. —Nicole Santa Cruz, ProPublica, 23 May 2025 They’re designed to mimic how human brains work, taking in data, learning patterns and making decisions. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 23 May 2025
Verb
Grass found that the enamel patterns on what is called the occlusal, or biting, surface of the tooth are different for each species. —Michael Ray Taylor, Smithsonian Magazine, 14 May 2025 Mary’s hair is in tight, skull-close curls, her forehead and cheekbones high, dark and light swirls of wood grain patterning her skin. —Lamorna Ash, The Dial, 6 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern
  1. motif
  2. ritual
  3. routine
  4. design
  5. model
  6. stripe
  7. habit
  8. layout
Noun
  • Johnson makes paintings and mosaics on square white tiles—often incorporating the material of one of Johnson’s favorite motifs, shea butter, the hearty soul food of moisturizing agents.
    — Vinson Cunningham, New Yorker, 30 May 2025
  • Breton stripes, fisherman sandals, shell motifs—anything that could remind you of the ocean is very much in play, and plenty of it is currently on sale at Nordstrom.
    — Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 30 May 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • After Mosey was accused of rape, Bruny urged him to partake in a Haitian rum-bath ritual; when Mosey was acquitted in March 2023, Bruny told him the voodoo gods had taken a hand in the verdict.
    — Amy Kaufman, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2025
  • For in this ritual, there is no veil between life and death.
    — Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 22 May 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • The clip began with Kiser waking up and beginning her routine.
    — Skyler Caruso, People.com, 20 May 2025
  • But with most makeup products falling under the 3.4 oz limit, including foundation and concealer, Barratt rarely encounters any difficulties when carrying out her full glam routine.
    — Isabelle Rodney, CNN Money, 20 May 2025
Definition of routine
Noun
  • The experience of working with elite football clubs exposed Bord to inefficiencies, and the absence of sophisticated algorithms that his company designs.
    — Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • The only thing to keep in mind is that, because of their sleek design, the shoe may seem narrow for those with wide feet.
    — Karthika Gupta, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • It's modeled on the structure for running the U.S. Capitol Police.
    — Carrie Johnson, NPR, 22 May 2025
  • What if each of those specialties was modeled in an AI system?
    — Sanjay Juneja, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of model
Verb
  • The Dune actor wore a black jacket lined with Knicks’ orange and silver with an orange striped button down shirt underneath.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 17 May 2025
  • The second, released May 14 in the journal PLOS One, introduces the light blue striped Ranitomeya aetherea.
    — Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 14 May 2025
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Standout Interviewee Habits: How to Take Things to the Next Level Deliver a clear personal pitch To stand out from the crowd, Marino-Briggs recommends a few key habits.
    — Julia Korn, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • In addition, he’s also made a habit of gathering a handful of players together every night for a dinner at the Cowboys’ members-only speakeasy restaurant on the top level of The Star in Frisco, Cowboys Club.
    — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 May 2025
Definition of habit
Noun
  • The high-shine finish is both durable and reflective, bringing a bit of glow to this galley layout.
    — Lauren Bengtson, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 May 2025
  • Units range from one to four bedrooms with layouts spanning 700 square feet to 3,300 square feet.
    — Emma Reynolds, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025
Definition of layout

Phrases Containing pattern

Browse Nearby Words

pattering
pattern
patterned
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Cite this Entry

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

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