design 1 of 2

noun

Definition of designnext
1
as in plan
a method worked out in advance for achieving some objective she always achieves her objective by design rather than by luck

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in scheme
a secret plan for accomplishing evil or unlawful ends the thief had devised an elaborate design to get the invaluable artwork

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3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish my design in writing to you is to ask for your support

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
5
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

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design

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈzīn How to pronounce design (audio)
1
as in to plan
to have in mind as a purpose or goal early on she had designed to a top position in a major insurance company

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2
as in to prepare
to work out the details of (something) in advance the foreman designed a better layout for the factory floor to improve efficiency

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
When Luckman arrived in Chicago, the Bears playbook had hundreds of designs from the T Formation, with hundreds of variations in the playbook and seemingly hundreds more in the imagination. —CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026 The duo wore Patriots jerseys and hats, one a fluffy American flag design, and the other a hybrid between a pirates hat and a football. —Jakob Rodgers, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
These thoughtful touches are designed to make the journey feel unhurried and seamless, from airport arrival to touchdown, emphasizing the premium nature of the service. —Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2026 The Duchess of Sussex wore a strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline and A-line silhouette, designed by Harbison Studio founder Charles Harbison. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 9 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
  1. plan
  2. scheme
  3. purpose
  4. motif
  5. layout
  6. intend
  7. prepare
  8. strategy
Noun
  • Football fans, now is the time to set yourself a reminder to make early Valentine’s Day plans for next year.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Republicans last year cut about $1 trillion over a decade from Medicaid and declined to extend covid-19-era subsidies that had lowered the cost of health plans under the Affordable Care Act.
    — ALI SWENSON, Arkansas Online, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of plan
Noun
  • Those affected by the scheme can visit Agridime’s website to see how the company is handling investors’ claims.
    — Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Jane Doe alleged that in 2013, Epstein’s associates directed her to open a Bank of America account as part of a scheme to deceive immigration officials.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of scheme
Noun
  • Nevertheless, laid low by cancer and the claim battle, Karen Powers continued on in the job that had provided her with a lifelong sense of meaning and purpose.
    — J.C. Hallman, Oklahoman, 10 Feb. 2026
  • SpaceX plans to use its Starship system for the task — the largest spacecraft and rocket system ever built, and the vehicle that Musk says is purpose-made for taking people to Mars.
    — Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of purpose
Noun
  • The Daisy Heel itself extends one of Jacobs’ most recognizable motifs.
    — Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • And most importantly, it’s all rendered in a Western motif, not unlike an oversized cabin in the woods.
    — Brad Japhe, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Fabulous layout, symmetry Once inside, a sense of careful preservation and living history is palpable.
    — David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 7 Feb. 2026
  • Some in the modern stable blocks have duplex layouts and private patios.
    — Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of layout
Verb
  • This message is not intended to shame or judge anyone.
    — Ashley Carnahan, FOXNews.com, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Its reduced weight and compact architecture are intended to support rapid relocation after firing, allowing the launcher to limit exposure to counter-battery fire.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of intend
Verb
  • The Seahawks used a first-round bye to rest, heal and prepare, and then routed the 49ers in a divisional-round game before beating the Rams, 31-27, to advance to the Super Bowl.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Levy Restaurants was reportedly only preparing 200 for Sunday’s game day.
    — Jayna Bardahl, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
Definition of prepare
Noun
  • Jim's stock market commentary , market analysis , stock pick breakdowns , and Club Members' Mailbag offer an MBA-caliber finance education that is easy to absorb and apply to your personal investing strategies.
    — , CNBC, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Now, platforms like ReelShort and DramaBox are testing out a similar strategy but leaning into low-budget, soapy series, instead.
    — Lauren Wilson, NBC news, 13 Feb. 2026
Definition of strategy

Browse Nearby Words

desideratum
design
designate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on design

Nglish: Translation of design for Spanish Speakers

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