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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

Synonyms & Similar Words
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
Instead, Wells said the murder reflected a pattern often seen in domestic violence cases, where the danger escalates after a victim decides to leave. — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 4 Aug. 2026 The same pattern for smoking held for those who were exposed to bad air quality. — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
Consultants can contribute not only an outside perspective but also pattern recognition from across businesses and markets. — Raheel Sheikh, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026 The Chapter 02 lineup includes wrap coats in twin layers of double-faced wool; reversible jackets with one side plain, the other patterned, and crinkled unisex trenchcoats that pack up neatly into a travel pouch, printed with a bicycle pattern drawn from Veldkamp’s art, among other key items. — Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 3 Nov. 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
  • The actress continued the metallic silver color motif with strappy sandals by Jimmy Choo.
    — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 30 July 2026
  • The influence and emblem of basketball was everywhere, whether through stitched motifs, graphic details, or the written across letterman jackets, cargo pants, and t-shirts.
    — Tiana Randall, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026
Definition of motif
Noun
  • Kraft Heinz is attempting to do that by moving its brands closer to experiences people already care deeply about, including sports, entertainment, family rituals and shared meals.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Seabrook’s primary focus was on Vodou aka voodoo rituals, which had long constituted an underground religious practice amongst populations outwardly accepting of Catholicism.
    — Dennis Harvey, Variety, 31 July 2026
Definition of ritual
Noun
  • The team announced López had discomfort in his left knee during his warm-up routine.
    — Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • Want to know what to wear to feel closer to yourself, how to update your home to meet a new phase of life, or ways to switch up a beauty routine during an important transit?
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of routine
Noun
  • Out of hundreds of entries around the world, the park’s design won first-place in the World Landscape Architecture Awards public design concept category.
    — Noah Daly July 31, Idaho Statesman, 31 July 2026
  • From a 1924 Neo-basque house to design-forward flats with scenic balconies, add the seven Airbnbs below to your Biarritz bucket list.
    — Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 31 July 2026
Definition of design
Verb
  • One of the best ways to teach kids how to have healthy relationships is to model them, Seewald said.
    — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Strong management, where leaders model values and managers embed them, is crucial for translating policies into a positive daily experience.
    — David Morel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of model
Verb
  • That included the par-5 18th, where Koivun striped another long-range approach to 13 feet, setting up another holed putt for eagle.
    — Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 28 July 2026
  • Croonenberghs wore a brown-and-white striped T-shirt, olive green cargo pants, white tennis shoes, and a navy blue denim baseball cap over his dark hair.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 27 July 2026
Definition of stripe
Noun
  • Let go of any lingering urges or habits to play it small because when eclipses arrive, there’s higher potential for big life changes.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The lunar eclipse in Pisces could also leave you with no choice but to make an adjustment at work or with your health habits.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of habit
Noun
  • But finishing first and second in the model’s inaugural appearance confirmed the engineering brilliance of the 250 P’s mid-engine layout.
    — Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • The converted building with its red brick facade is favored for its large windows, multi-level layouts, outdoor terraces and ceilings that reach up to 25 feet.
    — R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 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 5 Aug. 2026.

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