pattern
11 synonyms and 1 antonyms for pattern, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A repeated design of shapes, colors, or lines, often decorative.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use pattern
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle English patron/paterne, from Old French patron — the same root as patron, but the two words split apart in meaning over time.
Full origin of pattern →Frequently asked questions
What does “pattern” mean?
The word “pattern” means a repeated design of shapes, colors, or lines, often decorative. In plain terms, a repeated design, a predictable sequence of events, or a template to copy from.
How do you pronounce “pattern”?
“Pattern” is pronounced PATN (/ˈpætɚn/ in IPA).
How do you use “pattern” in a sentence?
Here is “pattern” used in a sentence: “The wallpaper had a floral pattern in soft blues and greens.”
What is another word for “pattern”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pattern” include 3, 4, 5, model and categorize.
What is the opposite of “pattern”?
The opposite of “pattern” — its antonyms — is antipattern.
What part of speech is “pattern”?
Depending on how it is used, “pattern” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pattern” come from?
The word “pattern” comes from Old French. From Middle English patron/paterne, from Old French patron — the same root as patron, but the two words split apart in meaning over time.
Is “pattern” a common word?
“Pattern” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between a pattern and a design?
A design is any planned arrangement or drawing, unique or one-off. A pattern is specifically a design built from repeated, regular elements — the same shape, color, or line recurring across a surface. So a pattern is a kind of design, but one defined by repetition, like polka dots, stripes, or floral prints.
What are some common types of patterns?
Familiar decorative patterns include stripes, checks, polka dots, chevrons or zigzags, floral prints, paisley, tartan or plaid, geometric shapes, and animal prints. They may be regular and precise or looser and more organic. Patterns appear across fabrics, wallpaper, tiles, and packaging, adding rhythm and visual interest to a surface.
What is the difference between a pattern and a texture?
A pattern is about repeated visual design — shapes or colors you see arranged across a surface. Texture is about how a surface feels or appears to feel, such as rough, smooth, or bumpy. A patterned fabric shows a repeating print; a textured fabric has a tactile quality. A surface can have both at once.