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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

pattern

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to model

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Dissimilar Words
2
as in to stripe

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Dissimilar Words

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
Your symptoms may not make sense individually, but patterns can become much clearer over time. — Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Flow Space, 1 Sep. 2026 In my room in particular, the curtains were a hot pink and green floral pattern that matched the wallpaper, bed skirt, and headboard perfectly. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026
Verb
One tasteful choice is patterned aluminum trim to envelop the dash and doors, hand-engraved with a guilloche technique, similar to what’s employed on a high-end watch case. — Lawrence Ulrich, Robb Report, 12 June 2026 Consultants can contribute not only an outside perspective but also pattern recognition from across businesses and markets. — Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 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
  • The vibrant floral motifs and creamy white hue ooze sophistication, while the dainty size is perfect for carrying your phone, keys, lipstick, and wallet.
    — Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Mosaic terrazzo floors with a palm motif are nods to both Tiberius’s villas here and the Ethiopian palm that once stood like an icon outside the hotel, which was felled by a storm in the 1960s.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • This goes beyond just topical products to include massage tools, wellness rituals and detoxifying treatments.
    — Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Shankara advises that worshipping gods with names and stories through devotional rituals and sacred images (murtis) is an acceptable step for some people on the path toward a more philosophical understanding of an all-pervasive ultimate reality.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • Teams cross multiple time zones, adjust practice and sleep schedules and play at a neutral site far from their normal routines.
    — Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • As if dating weren’t already enough of a gamble, a new trend has some men skipping their usual hygiene routines before meeting a prospective partner.
    — Teresa Mull, FOXNews.com, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of routine
Noun
  • The contestants will have to design a wedding dress that showcases their style, and the winning design will be produced and sold by David’s Bridal.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers say a phase-change heatsink can reduce size and weight by more than 50 percent while maintaining the thermal capacity of a conventional design.
    — Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of design
Verb
  • Finance leaders are increasingly using scenario planning to model how changes in revenue, costs, interest rates, supply chains, staffing and other variables could affect financial performance.
    — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Kit Butler joins Hilton in some frames to model Karl Lagerfeld menswear.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of model
Verb
  • Roundabouts now are less likely to have multiple lanes, striping has changed, and entrances to the circles have slightly sharper curves to slow down motorists.
    — Susan Bromley, Freep.com, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Jenna wore a green-and-white striped T-shirt, white pants and white sandals in the photo.
    — Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Over time, the OlloBot OlloNi SS1 is designed to learn more about different household members, including their habits, preferences, and everyday interactions.
    — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Most of life is complex and multifaceted, and reading is one of the only habits that pushes back against the instinct to see things in black and white.
    — Mckenna Friedland, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • The curriculum prepares students for future education and careers in creative industries, requiring them to analyze, design and render complex graphics, package design, typography, layouts, corporate brand identities and web interfaces.
    — Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Once the design of the new layout is complete, a spokesperson for the transportation department said, crews will begin taking out the current striping before laying out the new lane configurations.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
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 4 Sep. 2026.

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