patterns 1 of 2

Definition of patternsnext
plural of pattern
1
as in motifs
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
3
4
as in layouts
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

patterns

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of pattern

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 patterns
Noun
The Austrian, who finished second at the Yanqing World Cup in China in 2024, has trained as a neuromental coach, focusing on rewiring thought patterns and mindset. Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026 Across the experiments, the sensor network was consistently effective at producing distinct signal patterns and activating protective responses depending on the force applied. New Atlas, 8 Feb. 2026 But why auroras form these patterns is less clear. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 8 Feb. 2026 He's considered a great in-game coach, who creates advantages in the margins, like on substitution patterns and managing the clock. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026 Mainstream coverage tends to focus on personalities rather than patterns. Carol L. Harris, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026 Tailors the engine torque and transmission shift patterns to reduce wheel spin on icy or slick roads. Tony Leopardo, Mercury News, 8 Feb. 2026 The patterns on vinyl floors are only on the surface, while linoleum's patterns go all the way through the material. Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 8 Feb. 2026 The agent was trained on hundreds of real messages Goldberg had already sent to partners, learning his tone, pacing, and decision-making patterns. Matt Emma, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Plus, all pieces are adorned with mid-century style motifs to give everything an extra boost of vintage flair.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Feb. 2026
  • Sequence analysis 5′ of the transcriptional site indicated a TATA-less promoter with possible cis-acting motifs that may regulate C3a receptor gene expression.
    Kirstin R.W. Matthews, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • As malls have closed because of shifting consumer shopping habits and a desire for more lucrative development opportunities, the expansive empty buildings have taken on a new draw as a kind of postapocalyptic wasteland, much to the chagrin of local officials.
    Roger Vincent, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Osiecki lists various economic reasons for this emphasis on money habits, including rising housing costs, rising costs of everyday essentials like groceries and utilities, student loan and credit card debt.
    Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Figure skaters close their eyes and go through their routines.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 14 Feb. 2026
  • This music-heavy YouTube series encourages kids to get moving with original songs and dance routines.
    Kara Nesvig, Parents, 14 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Some in the modern stable blocks have duplex layouts and private patios.
    Lydia Bell, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The passenger version supports flexible layouts.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Joe Brusuelas, senior economist at RSM US, highlighted a few of those factors when pushing back on White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett’s claim Monday that subdued job gains are primarily the result of lower population figures and higher productivity.
    Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 11 Feb. 2026
  • Since the retail figures aren’t adjusted for inflation, weaker figures could be impacted by steep holiday discounts.
    Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Our Turkishness was manifest in small and decontextualized rituals that could hardly pass as some ‘authentic’ experience.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Many of the treatments tap into Ayurvedic traditions, with an extensive menu of options including body work, energy treatment, facials, and other beauty rituals.
    Paul Brady, Travel + Leisure, 10 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Regardless, county crews are constantly filling these ruts and encourage drivers to report them.
    Alysia Burgio, CBS News, 30 Jan. 2026
  • Some wagon wheel ruts are still visible.
    Isa Almeida, Oklahoman, 15 Jan. 2026
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, CBS News, 8 Feb. 2026
  • This is clearly not possible considering the importance of safety concerns associated with nuclear reactors, particularly new and novel designs.
    Chicago Tribune, Chicago Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.

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