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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
As Porsche has been a staple in Grasso’s Garage for awhile now, due to their sportiness design and powertrains, the opportunity to add an EV to the fleet was a no brainer and the Taycan was born. Marc D Grasso, Hartford Courant, 18 Jan. 2025 Its materials provide optimal heat distribution and retention, while its sloped side design encourages continuous movement, making light work of stirring your soups or stews. Maggie Horton, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
It’s designed to be entertaining, educational and intergenerational. Debra Skodack, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025 It was designed to stop local law enforcement from asking individuals about their immigration status or sharing such information with ICE or the Border Patrol. Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for design 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • Red tape, budget shortfalls and government inaction repeatedly stymied plans for water system improvements — including some that specifically cited the need to boost firefighting capacity.
    Connor Sheets, Los Angeles Times, 24 Jan. 2025
  • De la Hogue Moran said going forward the plan is to launch a selection of pop-ups around the world, averaging two a year, with one implementation more art-centric via partnerships with galleries and artists and the other more product-oriented via tie-ups with retailers.
    Sandra Salibian, WWD, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Taking control of the Panama Canal was the most popular of Trump’s schemes to expand the U.S., with 46% in favor and 47% in opposition.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Kya Christian Nelson, 23, and others involved in what prosecutors described as a nationwide scheme, took over homeowners’ Ring security cameras and made fake emergency calls in November 2020, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.
    Julia Marnin, Sacramento Bee, 24 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Among its chief purposes, to honor those who kept King’s legacy alive with their own actions Thirty-seven years later, the event — now known as the largest MLK celebration in Anne Arundel County — drew some 600 guests to Maryland Live!
    Sloane Brown, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Keeping your headphones on and listening to a favorite podcast or audiobook can serve the same purpose.
    Angela Haupt, TIME, 21 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • In a summery touch, a large rose motif was embroidered across the chest, which complemented her open-toe mules.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 17 Jan. 2025
  • Jerk Beasley, a New Orleans native, designed a hoodie and T-shirts that feature graffiti-like text and a feathered, Black Masking Indian motif.
    Chelsea Brasted, Axios, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Downing sees many people try to fit too much furniture into a small bedroom layout.
    Rachel Davies, Architectural Digest, 23 Jan. 2025
  • The layout of this single-story house consists of three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
    Bay Area Home Report, The Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative.
    Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025
  • In other words, adults and kids don’t have to pigeonhole themselves—pun sort of intended.
    Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 23 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • What was once just one is now more than 100 gray and scarlet bricks as the Buckeyes prepare for their final game against Notre Dame on Monday to cap the longest college football season ever with a national championship at stake.
    Cameron Teague Robinson, The Athletic, 17 Jan. 2025
  • As Trump prepares to take over the White House, many of Biden's policies could be undone, including his work to deliver student loan forgiveness for millions of Americans.
    Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Self-care strategies can include regular exercise, a joint-friendly diet, and assistive devices.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 26 Jan. 2025
  • But look, this is an intentional strategy on the part of Trump's inner circle.
    ABC News, ABC News, 26 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near design

Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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