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

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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
If the pattern holds up here, today’s Spirits winners could be major contenders at film’s biggest night March 15. —Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 Feb. 2026 Add a Sterling Check saute pan or casserole dish to your cookware with the brand’s signature pattern, add matching pillar candles to any room, or set the table with White Flower Market dinner plates and Royal English Garden plates for dessert in stunning floral patterns. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
Tri-City’s affiliation is patterned on a very similar lease of Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, which Sharp has run since 1991. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Dec. 2025 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 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
  • The Spa’s Herb Garden taps the island’s organic bounty, growing plants used in treatments, rituals, and teas.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Feb. 2026
  • In one, second-generation immigrant Gloria (Katy Correa) returns to her father’s home village in rural Guinea-Bissau for a traditional memorial ritual to mark the old man’s recent passing, and to introduce her twentysomething daughter Nour (D’Johé Kouadio) to her ancestral motherland.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Adding a creatine monohydrate supplement to your routine is the most effective way to increase body and muscle stores of creatine to reap creatine’s health benefits.
    — Amy Brownstein, Verywell Health, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Think of it as future-proofing your travel routine—at prices that are too good to ignore.
    — Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of routine
Noun
  • By treating purity as a design parameter, engineers can now develop materials that thrive in the most punishing environments, such as hypersonic flight and extraterrestrial construction.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Tucked into the upper Devonshire neighborhood and situated on nearly half an acre, the home at 5420 Surrey Circle unfolds as a masterclass in warm, livable contemporary design.
    — Allie Beth Allman & Associates, Dallas Morning News, 15 Feb. 2026
Definition of design
Verb
  • Its components can be rearranged to model different limb lengths, weight distributions and joint ranges of motion.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Parents can also model emotional regulation by keeping their own tone calm and non reactive.
    — Melissa Willets, Parents, 11 Feb. 2026
Definition of model
Verb
  • Choose from black, gray, or black-and-white striped, and start planning your trip today.
    — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2026
  • This cardigan-and-striped-tee combo feels especially on trend, while the Frye boots add just enough lift to keep the hems from dragging on the ground.
    — Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • For people managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease, that combination can push eating habits in the wrong direction.
    — Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Runners, instead, should avoid habits like taking them before a race or a hard workout.
    — Dan England, Outside, 5 Feb. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • Looking to the Future Multigenerational living shaped the home’s layout from the beginning.
    — Mina Loudermilk, Southern Living, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Once there, Sarah Kim uses her knowledge of the store’s layout from her time working there as Mok Ga-hui to dispose of Mi-jeong.
    — Kayti Burt, Time, 13 Feb. 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 16 Feb. 2026.

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