DESIGN Synonyms: 167 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the noun 'design' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of design are plan , plot , project , and scheme . While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony. // a design for a new dress

Q: When can 'plan' be used instead of 'design'?

The words plan and design are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation. // plans for a house

Q: When would 'plot' be a good substitute for 'design'?

The synonyms plot and design are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions. // the plot of the play

Q: When is 'project' a more appropriate choice than 'design'?

The words project and design can be used in similar contexts, but project often stresses imaginative scope and vision. // a project to develop the waterfront

Q: Where would 'scheme' be a reasonable alternative to 'design'?

Although the words scheme and design have much in common, scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest. // a scheme to defraud the government

design 1 of 2

noun

Definition of design

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

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

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

as in motif

a unit of decoration that is repeated all over something (as a fabric) the curtains have a lovely floral design

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

design

2 of 2

verb

di-ˈzīn

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

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

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun design contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of design are plan, plot, project, and scheme. While all these words mean "a method devised for making or doing something or achieving an end," design often suggests a particular pattern and some degree of achieved order or harmony.

a design for a new dress

When can plan be used instead of design?

The words plan and design are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, plan always implies mental formulation and sometimes graphic representation.

plans for a house

When would plot be a good substitute for design?

The synonyms plot and design are sometimes interchangeable, but plot implies a laying out in clearly distinguished sections with attention to their relations and proportions.

the plot of the play

When is project a more appropriate choice than design?

The words project and design can be used in similar contexts, but project often stresses imaginative scope and vision.

a project to develop the waterfront

Where would scheme be a reasonable alternative to design?

Although the words scheme and design have much in common, scheme stresses calculation of the end in view and may apply to a plan motivated by craftiness and self-interest.

a scheme to defraud the government

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 design

Noun

Unlike motion-capture systems that rely on rigid sensors attached to clothing, the design uses soft components throughout its sensing surface. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2026 Jacklynn excelled in history at school, considered studying archaeology before choosing fashion design at university and spent her teenage years enjoying antique sales, car boot sales and Antiques Roadshow. — Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2026

Verb

It’s designed to immerse you, like sitting in the middle of a sphere of sound. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 9 Oct. 2026 These improvements are designed not only to support visitors, but also to make Martinique more accessible to investors, business partners and international operators. — Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 9 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for design

Recent Examples of Synonyms for design

Noun

Either way, Rahimi balances the character’s clear vulnerability with just enough ambiguity about his plans for the school, accentuated through Majidi’s restrained and naturalistic approach.

— Kambole Campbell, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026
This set off a series of jokes between Meriwether and the cast, along with confirmation that there are no real plans for a reunion at this time.

— Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of plan

Noun

Argentina’s citizen by investment scheme will offer numerous perks for travelers, including unlocking frictionless access to some of the most popular international destinations.

— Jessica Puckett, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
The administration’s language would establish a range of mandatory minimum sentences based on the amount of loss involved in fraud schemes, according to the document.

— Shelby Talcott, semafor.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of scheme

Noun

On a blistering surprise EP, Deafheaven find the vicious attack and grandiose drama of symphonic black metal perfectly suited to their purposes.

— Patrick Lyons, Pitchfork, 13 Oct. 2026
Aside from being part of the salon decor, the sculpture’s purpose, Ingram explained, is to introduce Vero’s service to his clientele.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of purpose

Noun

Its winding path — and its goose motif — serve as the inspiration for Fortunae, Ginori 1735’s latest collection of collectible porcelain and home decor.

— Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
Rooms feature lanais, rattan furniture, and carpeting with bamboo motifs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

The 128 is semi-custom, like previous models, meaning owners can pick from a wide array of interior finishes, layouts, and furnishings.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
Thanks to the home's single-level layout, there's plenty of headroom to stand up and move around.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of layout

Verb

Their different lengths are intended to offer broadcasters alternative scheduling options.

— Emiliano de Pablos, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026
The emergency reserve has already fallen to its lowest level since the 1980s following releases intended to cushion oil price shocks from the Iran war and the Russia-Ukraine war.

— Erika Angulo, NBC news, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of intend

Noun

Saujet developed its brand strategy and creative expression in partnership with Studio ALIFFI, founded by former chief brand officer of Neiman Marcus Nabil Aliffi.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
This work evidences both a moral courage and brash authority on Simon’s part and speaks to the deep ethical complexity of her concerns and strategies as an artist.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of strategy

Browse Nearby Words

desideratum

design

designate

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Design.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/design. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of design

noun

verb

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