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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of design
Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 5 July 2025
This opens the door to more layered and personal design, and shifts the focus from decorating to storytelling, Whitley says.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
ABC News, 4 July 2025
The story of how architect Jeffrey Dungan came to design a cottage on a remote Canadian beach for antiques dealer Kim Faison is one that both love to tell.
—Paola Singer, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Noun
Here, there are some concessions, such as studs, shimmery '90s fabrics, or a crochet design.
—Arancha Gamo, Glamour, 5 July 2025
This opens the door to more layered and personal design, and shifts the focus from decorating to storytelling, Whitley says.
—Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2025
Verb
Three years after the launch of the three-digit 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, the service is seeing increases in call volume, state-level support and reported effectiveness, as well as reductions in specialized offerings, including one designed to help LGBTQ youth.
—ABC News, 4 July 2025
The story of how architect Jeffrey Dungan came to design a cottage on a remote Canadian beach for antiques dealer Kim Faison is one that both love to tell.
—Paola Singer, Architectural Digest, 4 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for design
Recent Examples of Synonyms for design
Noun
-
In a city where so many big plans have gone so badly for 30 years, San Diego residents shouldn’t just be wary when another bold proposal comes long — they should be terrified.—
U T Editorial Board,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
12 July 2025
-
Faced with having to cut services for the first time in its history, the Milwaukee County Mental Health Board solidified a plan July 10 with the Finance Committee that spares three crucial service programs.—
Natalie Eilbert,
jsonline.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Two sources told Reuters he was suspected of being involved in a scheme to embezzle millions of dollars earmarked for border defenses.—
Clare Sebastian,
CNN Money,
11 July 2025
-
In the film, Superman comes under suspicion by the public and the government over his Kryptonian heritage thanks to a scheme by tech billionaire Luthor to push Superman out of the way of his grand plans to expand his criminal enterprise worldwide.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
Responses are for informational purposes only and individuals should consider whether any general recommendation in these responses are suitable for their particular circumstances based on investment objectives, financial situation and needs.—
Steve Hruby,
The Enquirer,
8 July 2025
-
Jason Robertson, Dallas Stars Robertson’s name has generated early buzz this summer, but not solely for extension purposes.—
Shayna Goldman,
New York Times,
8 July 2025
Noun
-
The train also offers a dedicated Wellness Suite, decorated by painter and printmaker Sarah Woods with a calming beach motif.—
Everett Potter,
Forbes.com,
3 July 2025
-
Price upon publish date of this article: $11.99 Flaunting over 3,000 hearts on Urban Outfitters’ site, this shower curtain is a hot commodity because of its ability to harness multiple interior design trends at once: including food motifs, gingham patterns, and all things pink.—
Stacia Datskovska,
Footwear News,
2 July 2025
Noun
-
There will be several large, working layouts on display for children.—
Joe Rassel,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 July 2025
-
The Commons, a 12-hole design by Jim Craig will be the sixth layout at Sand Valley.—
Jeff Goudy,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Every one of his 70-odd dishes is intended to complement drink, not the other way around.—
Derek Sandhaus,
Saveur,
10 July 2025
-
However, Hwang never intended that to be the message.—
Dani Di Placido,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
Verb
-
Drink it in the sun to refresh while preparing, use it in your recipes to caramelize or sweeten and pair it to help your tongue handle when there’s a lot going on.—
Chelsea Davis,
Forbes.com,
2 July 2025
-
This month, especially when Saturn prepares to exit your sign and enter Aries on May 24, you will be asked to confront the internal narratives that no longer serve you.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
Noun
-
First, its exercise of power is weakened by its dearth of strategy.—
Hal Brands,
Twin Cities,
13 July 2025
-
This has become something of a state religion—as much a matter of ideology as of strategy.—
Frank Lavin,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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