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 next

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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Relevance

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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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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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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

misadjust

as in to stripe

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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

Examples 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

Those clumps will all align with the magnetic field but repel one another, self-organizing into a crystalline pattern while retaining their strange frictionless behavior. —

Quanta Magazine, 6 Nov. 2024 In the end, there are trends and patterns and signals for each side to hang its hopes on, and for each side to freak out about. —

Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 5 Nov. 2024

Verb

Each was patterned and dyed with the natural colors of the Andes: red made from cochineal, orange from lime salt, and yellow from the q’olle flower. —

Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024 Pair some white or patterned cowboy boots with a romantic dress, like this dreamy outfit from @collagevintage on Instagram. —

Alicia Lansom, refinery29.com, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pattern

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pattern

Noun

This top gift for Taylor Swift fans arrives in one of the season’s biggest color trends — and a lyrical motif that the artist often weaves into her work: red.

Claire Sullivan, WWD, 21 Nov. 2024
Floral motifs Paint the floor in a green hue a shade lighter than the fireplace tile for a complete embrace of nature.

Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 20 Nov. 2024