PATTERN Synonyms: 188 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

pattern 1 of 2

noun

ˈpa-tərn

Definition of pattern

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in ritual

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

as in to model

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Dissimilar Words

misadjust

as in to stripe

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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

Student test scores in the largest Sacramento-region school districts generally show a similar pattern of modest gains the recent years, but achievement levels in most cases are below the pre-pandemic scores of 2018-19. — Chaewon Chung october 17, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2026 Prediction extends beyond the cerebral cortex The researchers used machine learning to determine whether brain activity patterns could distinguish between visual and tactile experiences. — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Verb

Today, though, a growing number of online fabric retailers have made sourcing the right print or pattern a cinch. — Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026 Claudine, 53, opted for a pair of dark skinny jeans with a black blazer over a black and white patterned blouse. — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for pattern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern

Noun

The store is also offering personalization services, where their artisans gold-stamp diaries, notebooks and leather styles with initials and playful motifs.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Taking a cue from Dante himself, Curci also borrowed motifs from popular mythology.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Other amenities include a Wellbeing by Auberge program, complete with thermal rituals, skin therapies, and more luxe treatments rooted in a holistic approach to health and longevity.

— Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 15 Oct. 2026
Estes said the aqueduct's water was used for both practical and religious purposes, including cleaning up after sacrifices and performing purification rituals at the Temple Mount.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of ritual

Noun

The new concealer and neutralizer make up a new two-step routine.

— Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 16 Oct. 2026
Patients complete an online survey covering their skin concerns, history, current routine and goals, which is reviewed by a clinician licensed in their state.

— Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of routine

Noun

Such designs can help militaries integrate new equipment without rebuilding their entire communications infrastructure around a single platform.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
The handbag would go on to become one of Fendi’s most celebrated designs.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of design

Verb

So, to ensure optimum conditions for the chickens, the team employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to model how warm air moved through the building.

— Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026
Hosk, who last walked the show in 2018 and was the last one to model a Fantasy Bra, is also set to return.

— Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of model

Verb

Many fans sported ties—an accessory that Styles has embraced throughout the tour—either simple, striped, or adorned with his song lyrics.

— Christian Allaire, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026
Treat it as an excuse to wear more outspoken pieces from here on out, whether this implies bright-and-striped sweaters or fuzzy, quirky boat shoes.

— Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026

Definition of stripe

Noun

These platforms aren’t necessarily focused on helping consumers build healthy financial habits to build long-term wealth; instead, they’re primarily focused on engagement and dopamine.

— Aneri Jambusaria, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Many longtime residents have developed habits to calm their minds during these exceptional conditions — meditation, a dip in the ocean to trigger the calming mammalian dive response, support groups to talk through the pain.

— Noah Haggerty, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of habit

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pattering

pattern

patterned

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Style

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pattern

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing pattern

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