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
Relevance
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in purpose
something that one hopes or intends to accomplish
my design in writing to you is to ask for your support
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of design
Talia Abbas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
From $1,598 a night. BOOK NOW Courtesy of Airbnb
Courtesy of Airbnb
Courtesy of Airbnb
Ruth Hardy Park
Perks: Terrazzo flooring, piano, gas grill, chef’s kitchen
Midcentury modern is the name of the game in this Palm Springs retreat designed by E. Stewart Williams.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
The day-to-night nature of all their designs, from the silver cuffs and beaded chokers to the leather belts and suede handbags, is rooted in an authentic sense of self, and speaks to why their accessories have such broad appeal.
—Talia Abbas, Vogue, 25 Apr. 2025
The Business Gold Card comes in three metal designs: Gold, Rose Gold and White Gold.
—Jason Stauffer, CNBC, 25 Apr. 2025
Verb
But the Trans-Alaska Pipeline is designed to carry oil, not natural gas.
—Brett Watson, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025
From $1,598 a night. BOOK NOW Courtesy of Airbnb
Courtesy of Airbnb
Courtesy of Airbnb
Ruth Hardy Park
Perks: Terrazzo flooring, piano, gas grill, chef’s kitchen
Midcentury modern is the name of the game in this Palm Springs retreat designed by E. Stewart Williams.
—Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 24 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
Trump has upended the global trading system that has been in place for over 75 years with a plan for tariffs on products from across the world.—
Chris Prentice,
USA Today,
19 Apr. 2025
-
The budget plan also would cut significant funding for the District of Columbia government, including its school system.—
David Lightman,
Sacbee.com,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Nearly 30 years ago California legislators faced a test of their integrity in voting for an electricity deregulation scheme that ratepayers are still paying for.—
Jamie Court,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2025
-
Minnesota Vikings Needs: RB, D-line, CB, S Ole Miss CB Trey Amos: Amos has good instincts around the ball and the press coverage skills needed to fit Brian Flores’ defensive scheme, which places cornerbacks on an island most of the time. 25.—
Omar Kelly,
Miami Herald,
18 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
The name’s ironic on purpose—the app allows users to create, send, and receive anonymous voice messages in a celebrity’s tone.—
Alexandra York,
Forbes.com,
15 Apr. 2025
-
Sources: Human Rights Watch, World Resources Institute In Sub-Saharan Africa, how women’s education influences family size Policymakers may use population projections for a variety of purposes, from planning social welfare programs to preparing for climate change.—
Troy Aidan Sambajon,
Christian Science Monitor,
14 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
Another motif of this season is how many of these directors’ later films are not readily available.—
J. Kim Murphy,
Variety,
24 Apr. 2025
-
That space wraps around to a fireside den with a desk and a window seat, plus a dining area that has a buffet topped with custom leaded-glass panels sporting a butterfly and hummingbird motif.—
Wendy Bowman,
Robb Report,
22 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
To solve the bedroom’s issues, Galey planned to drywall over the extra door, add thick, arched double wood doors with a lock for privacy and reimagine the layout to make the space feel cozier and more secure.—
Jordan Greene,
People.com,
16 Apr. 2025
-
Learn the dining room layout and setup mistakes to avoid when hosting or entertaining.—
Abby Wolner,
Better Homes & Gardens,
15 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
The administration claims the cuts are intended to reduce redundancy and inefficiency.—
Catherine Blackwood,
Scientific American,
17 Apr. 2025
-
How did the water tower come down? Crews had intended for the water tower, built in 1913 at 524 S. Osage St., to fall into an open plot of grass to the north, but the first attempt failed.—
Robert A. Cronkleton,
Kansas City Star,
17 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Remembering how a few crucial opportunities to work on calligraphy and design at a young age prepared him for his career in film, fashion, and painting, Yi Ming hopes to open similar doors for other young artists.—
Connie Etemadi,
USA Today,
24 Apr. 2025
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Annette McGowan, a bartender and publicity manager at the Winchester, also is preparing to mark the restaurant’s 20th anniversary, and hopes to have a block party with live music and food in early June.—
Emily M. Olson,
Hartford Courant,
23 Apr. 2025
Noun
-
However, Keena said that strategy may not be as effective this time around.—
Savannah Kuchar,
USA Today,
21 Apr. 2025
-
And while Orban has boasted that his party has shared his strategies with Trump advisers, Kreko doubts the help was very meaningful.—
Rob Schmitz,
NPR,
20 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 28 Apr. 2025.
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