pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn How to pronounce pattern (audio)
Definition of patternnext
1
as in motif
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

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2
as in ritual
a usual manner of behaving or doing her daily pattern begins with coffee and a bagel every morning for breakfast

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3
as in routine
an established and often automatic or monotonous series of actions followed when engaging in some activity with her, everything must be done strictly according to pattern

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4
as in design
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

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pattern

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to model

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to stripe

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun pattern differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of pattern are example, exemplar, ideal, and model. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

When is it sensible to use example instead of pattern?

In some situations, the words example and pattern are roughly equivalent. However, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to pattern?

Although the words exemplar and pattern have much in common, exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

In what contexts can ideal take the place of pattern?

The meanings of ideal and pattern largely overlap; however, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When might model be a better fit than pattern?

The words model and pattern are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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 pattern
Noun
Grid fleece weaves in about 5 percent elastane (aka Spandex) in a grid-like pattern (hence the name). —Scott Gilbertson, Wired News, 18 Apr. 2025 Dress them up with a breezy blouse in a colorful pattern for the ultimate spring ’fit. —Clara McMahon, People.com, 17 Apr. 2025
Verb
This featherlight metal fabric suggestive of chainmail that looked like dripping mercury could be dyed and patterned and was primarily used in silver or gold (as seen in his Autumn/Winter 1997 couture collection). —Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025 Pair bright white shaker-style cabinets with colorful tile and patterned wallpaper for a cohesive kitchen that feels clean and contemporary. —Emily Williams, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for pattern
Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern
  1. motif
  2. ritual
  3. routine
  4. design
  5. model
  6. stripe
  7. habit
  8. layout
Noun
  • Some of the key graphics include diamond motifs, horizontal stripes, four-directional crosses placed within each diamond and zig-zag patterns reminiscent of the desert mountain landscapes.
    — Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Their rebellious sweaters featuring Moldovan folk motifs paired with baggy cargos offer a fresh take on heritage-meets-hype.
    — Cassell Ferere, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of motif
Noun
  • From home births to birth centers, spiritual rituals to structural advocacy, their choices aren’t just personal, but collective.
    — Stephanie Long, Essence, 17 Apr. 2025
  • According to a new WalletHub survey, many consumers are planning to skip some of the holiday's traditional rituals like dyeing eggs because of high prices.
    — Matt Robison, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Apr. 2025
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Overall, this low-profile keyboard elevates your routine with practical features that make each keystroke both satisfying and efficient.
    — Shubham Yewale, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Some of those lifestyle changes involved optimizing her sleep, ensuring healthy indoor air, incorporating meditation to reduce stress and starting an exercise routine.
    — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of routine
Noun
  • Conspicuously anglo human characters resemble the generic design often seen in low-rent CG fare produced overseas: large heads with pristine skin and pronounced facial features.
    — Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
  • And in another first for Netflix, the design of the thronglet characters from the game actually inspired the creatures in the episode itself.
    — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2025
Definition of design
Verb
  • That means modeling curiosity ourselves, using AI openly and transparently to fuel genuine inquiry rather than as a crutch.
    — Catherine Goetze, Time, 17 Apr. 2025
  • My dad modeled a lot of behavior that really influenced me a lot.
    — Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of model
Verb
  • Needing a par on No. 18, McIlroy striped his drive, but just hung his wedge approach out to the right and into the green side bunker.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Apr. 2025
  • The grey, striped tabby on Vito Corleone's lap wasn't actually in the original script.
    — Devan Coggan, EW.com, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Adopt or maintain healthy habits: Stress and illness can trigger allergic asthma.
    — Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 9 Apr. 2025
  • But experts say having ongoing conversations about a teen's experience on social media and teaching them to build healthy digital habits is critical.
    — Anna Halkidis, Parents, 8 Apr. 2025
Definition of habit
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
  • All of the accommodations have unique layouts, but the common thread is the incredible amount of woodwork.
    — Christina Liao, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of layout

Phrases Containing pattern

Browse Nearby Words

pattering
pattern
patterned
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Cite this Entry

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.

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