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

Synonyms & Similar Words

pattern

2 of 2

verb

as in to model

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

misadjust

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

Happy peasants, miserable millionaires Graham first spotted the pattern in China. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026 However, like many other coastal societies shaped by the migration and economics of Atlantic cod, Lofoten has been no stranger to ecosystem pressures over the decades, from shifting migration patterns to offshore fishing fleets. — Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 24 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

Each section of the crest pays tribute to the club, the city of Barcelona and the region of Catalonia, through motifs that include the Saint George’s Cross, the Senyera (the Catalan flag) and a vintage-style soccer ball.

— Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026
The same questions and ideas and motifs haunt you for the rest of your life.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of motif

Noun

Brushing off tombstones is a regular ritual in some cultures, including in Mexico where entire families clean and decorate graves, which are covered with orange marigolds for Day of the Dead.

— Kimberlee Kruesi, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
What saunas may offer women PT and lymphatic drainage expert Sonia Rose told Women’s Health that warmth has long been a female comfort ritual.

— Samantha Agate, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of ritual

Noun

The Sun enters your 6th House, beginning a month focused on routines, responsibilities, health, work, and the systems that keep everything moving.

— Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 23 Oct. 2026
Elective care is now part of the commercial landscape, giving residents additional options for their personal wellness routine.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of routine

Noun

Instead of manufacturing and physically testing hundreds of battery designs, engineers used computer models to evaluate more than 300,000 possible configurations before producing a prototype.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026
The room is a design flex of its own — velvet banquettes, rich purples, cerulean blues, gold and marble, with art exclusively by women.

— Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of design

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

She was arrested and charged with second-degree child endangerment after her daughter reportedly arrived at school with sunburns, sparking a media frenzy over Krentcil's extreme tanning habits and parenting.

— Jasmine Baehr, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026
YPulse’s reporting on Gen Z shopping habits digs into how younger buyers can treat finding affordable alternatives as a legit shopping achievement.

— Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of habit

Noun

Part of that strategy is to connect with younger consumers, hence a recent partnership with 21-year-old livestreamer iShowSpeed along with innovating with menu items, branding, and store layout.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
Riding Modes Pro introduces a customizable Race Pro mode, along with three additional Sport display layouts showing data such as traction-control intervention, braking force and lean angle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of layout

Browse Nearby Words

pattering

pattern

patterned

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Style

“Pattern.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pattern. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of pattern

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verb

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Synonyms of pattern

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing pattern

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