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Definition of designnext
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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
Its solid aluminum unibody design features internal shock resistance offering up to 6 feet of fall defense, tied to AES 256-bit hardware encryption. Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 2 July 2026 DeJohn was chairman of fashion design at Moore College of Art and Design, director of the fashion design department at Drexel University, and professor of fashion design at The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 2 July 2026
Verb
The bride and groom both wore custom Christian Dior looks designed by Jonathan Anderson, who’s known for elaborate, mischievous designs. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the Bride and Groom. Bobby Burack Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
  • Corlys, one of few characters on the show who has survived long enough to ask for a favor in return for his service, shares his plan with Rhaenyra, asking her earnestly for public support from the crown.
    Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026
  • The government claimed the feature could increase cybercrime incidents and has directed the platform to pause its plans.
    Priyanka Salve, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Noun
  • The Empire State Building frequently switches up its lighting scheme to commemorate special events throughout the year.
    Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 4 July 2026
  • The other company whose shares were manipulated in the scheme, E-Waste, had an even higher market cap at some point, despite being nothing more than a shell company.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • There were other reminders as well, some less subtle than others, of the true purpose of Congress.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • However, StyleCaster may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
    Katie Decker-Jacoby, StyleCaster, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • Many of the specials sport a red, white and blue motif or other celebratory branding.
    Mike Snider, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • The hotel’s design, by Stonehill Taylor, marries New England iconography with Asian motifs that ring true to Raffles’ origins in Singapore.
    Andrew Sessa, Robb Report, 2 July 2026
Noun
  • While choosing the layout, the tribe hosted listening sessions with community members and elders.
    Sarah Liese, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Engineers created a digital twin before construction to optimize the building layout and equipment placement.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • The end of Temporary Protected Status — a program intended to protect people in the event of a natural disaster — heightened concerns about deportation to a country that is reeling after twin earthquakes from June 24.
    Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 6 July 2026
  • If Washington intends to withdraw forces, assets or capabilities, allies need a roadmap and a timeline.
    Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Jakucionis addressed the deal while preparing for his current work with Lithuania’s national team in World Cup qualifying.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 4 July 2026
  • Atop the bar cart is a stainless steel surface coated in a satin finish, which provides a sleek place to prepare appetizers and meals and an easy-to-clean surface.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler.
    Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 2 July 2026
  • Teams that are not ready solve yesterday's problems and call it strategy.
    Tracy Lawrence, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

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