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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

Examples 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
Talking about getting into the part of Morrible, Elphaba’s magic instructor at the college of Shiz, Yeoh said the part that helped her the most was the costume design by Paul Tazewell and the wigs from Frances Hannon. Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 22 Nov. 2024 What to consider when buying the best Arduino starter kits Arduino is an open-source hardware and software platform, which means anyone can copy the designs to produce an Arduino starter kit. Bob Beacham, Popular Science, 22 Nov. 2024
Verb
The 2,700-passenger ship is the world’s last working ocean liner; unlike cruise ships, the 1,132-foot, 14-deck vessel is designed to make year-round transatlantic crossings in extremely demanding conditions. Heather Steinberger, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024 To mark the occasion, Miro has also designed a one-of-a-kind upcycled vegan leather jacket made from pre-loved RTR garments, which fans can win via a special Instagram sweepstakes. Essence, 22 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for design 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • When used effectively, surprise can shake an adversary’s confidence in its military plans and reinforce deterrence.
    Michael Green, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2024
  • But Valya’s plan seems to be going up in smoke with the arrival of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a Corrino loyalist and survivor of what’s supposedly a Fremen attack on Arrakis.
    Alex Abad-Santos, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Pietro La Greca Jr’s memoir Pesos: The Rise and Fall of a Border Family tells the story of an Italian immigrant and con man who ran Mexico’s biggest money laundering scheme during the worst economic period in the country’s history.
    Peter White, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
  • In the 2000s, federal agents deduced that the company was a mere front for a complex money laundering scheme.
    Marc Griffin, VIBE.com, 18 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • As retail evolves to meet changing consumer values, the Choose Love Store sets an example of what’s possible when shopping meets social purpose.
    Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 28 Nov. 2024
  • The resort uses solar panels and desalinates water for landscaping purposes.
    Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • This top gift for Taylor Swift fans arrives in one of the season’s biggest color trends — and a lyrical motif that the artist often weaves into her work: red.
    Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Floral motifs Paint the floor in a green hue a shade lighter than the fireplace tile for a complete embrace of nature.
    Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The software offers tools for recording bank balances, making financial reports, and managing assets, compiling them all into an intuitive spreadsheet layout.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Aside from looking great, many brands allow for customization beyond shape, size, and layout, offering modular coffee tables or storage space to be added where needed.
    Rachel Fletcher, Architectural Digest, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Marlowe studied art history, American Indian studies and literature, intending to move into painting.
    Debra Utacia Krol, USA TODAY, 30 Nov. 2024
  • With the expedition cruise business set to be fully spun off, the new owners intend to focus Hurtigruten back on its core destination of Norway once the financials are completed in January 2025.
    David Nikel, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • To prepare the displays, Müller was allowed into the Monaco Palace’s archives to discover the hundreds of dresses belonging to Princess Grace: one-third of them were from Christian Dior.
    Violet Goldstone, WWD, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Christmas, on the other hand, takes weeks and months to prepare for.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 22 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Simple strategies include: Allowing faster or more aggressive drivers to pass you.
    Glen Koen, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Gucci is leveraging her 27 years of experience in marketing and communication strategy.
    Luisa Zargani, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near design

Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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