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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

pattern

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to model

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to stripe

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Dissimilar Words

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
That international positioning carries strategic implications that diverge sharply from typical Indian release patterns. —Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 17 May 2026 Expect an unsettled weather pattern for the next week or so. —Lauren Bostwick, CBS News, 17 May 2026
Verb
The state is evaluating new rules that could allow solo riders under 18 in driverless cars, perhaps patterned after a program that permits ride-hail companies with human drivers to transport minors in California. —Aarian Marshall, Wired News, 1 May 2026 The Chapter 02 lineup includes wrap coats in twin layers of double-faced wool; reversible jackets with one side plain, the other patterned, and crinkled unisex trenchcoats that pack up neatly into a travel pouch, printed with a bicycle pattern drawn from Veldkamp’s art, among other key items. —Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 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
  • The suited ensemble emphasized militaristic utility, with a long-sleeve jacket embroidered with muted gold sinuous motifs.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 13 May 2026
  • Their tiered form nods to the cloud terrace motif that appears repeatedly in New Mexico’s indigenous Pueblo art and architecture.
    — Bill Addison, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Seasonal cleaning is a divisive ritual—one that homeowners, designers, and cleaning experts either swear by or happily skip.
    — Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
  • Mornings include movement, journaling and wellness rituals, followed by workshops on focus and online income streams.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 16 May 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Move the desk, change the routine, state the preference.
    — Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • These creators made that knowledge far more accessible, producing educational content on everything from building a washday routine and transitioning from relaxers to mastering styles like twist-outs.
    — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 14 May 2026
Definition of routine
Noun
  • These 100-percent linen pants have practical front panel pockets for holding small essentials, and shoppers praised the tapered design and ankle-length cut that work well on petite frames.
    — Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 18 May 2026
  • Set the scene One of the first things that jumps out at any of 1 Hotels' locations is the biophilic design.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 May 2026
Definition of design
Verb
  • Oyeneyin is featured in the promotional materials for her collection alongside fellow Peloton instructors Alex Toussiant and Rad Lopez, who model the menswear.
    — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 12 May 2026
  • The team was also able to model tens of thousands of Type 1a supernovas at one time.
    — Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 May 2026
Definition of model
Verb
  • The 56-hole leader Smalley showed no sign of nerves on the first tee, striping his first shot of the day down the middle of the fairway.
    — Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 17 May 2026
  • In terms of where to beach, wide stretches of sand in Beach Haven remain some of the Jersey Shore’s most desirable, drawing surfers at sunrise, families hauling coolers and striped umbrellas by midday, and sunset walkers lingering until the sky fades pink over the dunes.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 May 2026
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Harbaugh plans to run a grueling training camp to try to better prepare the Giants for their early season games, but reversing a decade-plus of bad organizational habits and starts might take time.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 15 May 2026
  • The Sun forms a cazimi with Mercury in Taurus in your 6th House of Daily Routine, bringing a useful insight around schedules, wellness, work habits, or the way your day is structured.
    — Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 14 May 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • My living room has an open-concept layout, extending to the dining room and kitchen, so a large sofa matches the scale of the space well.
    — Meg Kernahan, Architectural Digest, 15 May 2026
  • The second and last bed in the four-sleeper layout is located on the opposite end, all the way against the front wall.
    — C.C. Weiss May 15, New Atlas, 15 May 2026
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 20 May. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pattern

Nglish: Translation of pattern for Spanish Speakers

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