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
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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 idea is being studied by scientists, who warn that impacts may be unpredictable, including changes in rain patterns, draughts and unforeseen weather changes. Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 18 May 2026 So, too, has ball progression from their initial build-up phase after last summer’s sale of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, as well as a lack of patterns of play in the final third. Carl Anka, New York Times, 17 May 2026 Reports help regulators track patterns and target bad actors. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 17 May 2026 Danny McCamish, senior environmental scientist for the Colorado Desert District of California State Parks, said most of the problems identified back then haven’t changed, including impacts to sight lines, soundscapes, animal migration patterns and hunting and nesting areas. Los Angeles Times, 17 May 2026 In a recent 2024 study published in the American Journal of Primatology, researchers examined the taphonomy — essentially, the physical damage patterns — left behind on prey remains associated with harpy eagle predation. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 17 May 2026 The aesthetic Eye-pleasing patterns, mystical motifs, and fun, boldly colored pairings. Bridget Mills-Powell, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2026 Dismantle old thought patterns. Usa Today, USA Today, 17 May 2026 Mixing patterns in your living room curtains adds dynamic visual interest and personality to your space. Macie Stump, Southern Living, 10 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for patterns
Noun
  • Kira creates original patterns inspired by traditional Japanese motifs, including wagara, the decorative designs commonly found in kimono textiles.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 14 May 2026
  • Merging the world of racing with feminine touches for fan merch, racing graphic motifs are paired with puff ink, embroidery, vintage-washed and checkerboard patterns for apparel and accessories.
    Kanika Talwar, Footwear News, 14 May 2026
Noun
  • Replacing one filter, using a HEPA purifier or changing a few cleaning habits can all help reduce indoor air pollutants over time.
    Ryan Brennan May 19, Miami Herald, 19 May 2026
  • The key is building sustainable habits that encourage curiosity while protecting mental clarity and creative energy.
    Rolling Stone Culture Council, Rolling Stone, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • The Moon in Taurus moves through your 6th House of Work and Wellness, asking for simple systems, steady routines, and practical follow-through.
    Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 May 2026
  • With the introduction of synthetic fabrics, laundry sorting routines changed again to accommodate fabrics that could not withstand hot water washing.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • Kin caregivers particularly struggle to afford housing with enough rooms and accessible, aging-friendly layouts.
    Jayme Fraser, USA Today, 14 May 2026
  • The permanent pavers add a personal touch to any outdoor area through distinctive layouts and textures.
    Betsy Cribb Watson, Southern Living, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • Kofman’s article chronicles the path of such ideas from the fringes to the mainstream, outlining their influence on figures such as Peter Thiel, Stephen Miller, and Elon Musk.
    The New Yorker, New Yorker, 20 May 2026
  • State Department figures show 6,066 — or 99% — of the refugees were from South Africa, while the other three hailed from Afghanistan.
    Camilo Montoya-Galvez, CBS News, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Critics also felt the depiction of the 'Guryu Myeonryugwan' crown (a traditional royal headpiece historically associated with vassal state rituals) was incorrect.
    Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026
  • Much of the film is set in and around a Parisian elder-care facility, and Hamaguchi guides us through its rooms and hallways, its meetings and rituals, with a patience and passionate granularity worthy of the late documentary filmmaker Frederick Wiseman.
    Justin Chang, New Yorker, 18 May 2026
Noun
  • Finch put his finger on the trouble during one of the regular-season ruts, identifying a moodiness that gets in the way of the type of surgical execution of game plans that the defending champion Oklahoma City and now San Antonio can consistently lean on.
    CBS News, CBS News, 16 May 2026
  • Those include sites like Bonneville Point – where emigrants got their first glimpse of the Boise River Valley and trail ruts can be seen – and Three Island Crossing State Park, named for the most crucial and challenging river crossing in the state.
    Nathan Diller, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Having also grown up in Puerto Rico, Soto now intentionally repurposes objects and designs from her childhood into pieces of art that represent life on the small island, such as her upholstered plastic lawn chairs, which are deeply connected to Puerto Rican culture.
    Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 17 May 2026
  • The two-piece creation was the first of two designs from Rose, an Oscar winner.
    Julie Tremaine, PEOPLE, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Patterns.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/patterns. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

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