Find the word that fits

Design: alternatives and connections

Begin with the reviewed alternatives, then explore broader connections without treating every related word as an automatic substitute.

Try an example: important law show help change happy
26,102 words currently have published synonym-style alternatives
90,593 searchable synonym connections
350,924 published thesaurus relationships of every type
Start with the meaning

Design

To draw preliminary outline or main features of; to sketch for a pattern or model; to delineate; to trace out; to draw.

118 useful connections shown 85 reviewed relationships and 33 broader connections.
Best place to begin

Reviewed alternatives and contrasts

These links were deliberately created. Use the interchangeability score and guidance to judge whether a word will work in your sentence.

Broader term 23

Arrangement 76% connected

The act of arranging or putting in an orderly condition; the state of being arranged or put in order; disposition in suitable form.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Conceive 76% connected

To receive into the womb and begin to breed; to begin the formation of the embryo of.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Create 76% connected

Created; composed; begotten.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Creativeness 76% connected

The quality of being creative.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Decoration 76% connected

The act of adorning, embellishing, or honoring; ornamentation.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Designate 76% connected

Designated; appointed; chosen.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Destine 76% connected

To determine the future condition or application of; to set apart by design for a future use or purpose; to fix, as by destiny or by an authoritative…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

End 76% connected

The extreme or last point or part of any material thing considered lengthwise (the extremity of breadth being side); hence, extremity, in general; th…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Goal 76% connected

The mark set to bound a race, and to or around which the constestants run, or from which they start to return to it again; the place at which a race…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Intend 76% connected

To stretch' to extend; to distend.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Make 76% connected

A companion; a mate; often, a husband or a wife.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Mean 76% connected

To have in the mind, as a purpose, intention, etc.; to intend; to purpose; to design; as, what do you mean to do ?

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Organization 76% connected

The act of organizing; the act of arranging in a systematic way for use or action; as, the organization of an army, or of a deliberative body.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Ornament 76% connected

That which embellishes or adorns; that which adds grace or beauty; embellishment; decoration; adornment.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Ornamentation 76% connected

The act or art of ornamenting, or the state of being ornamented.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Plan 76% connected

A draught or form; properly, a representation drawn on a plane, as a map or a chart; especially, a top view, as of a machine, or the representation o…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Program 76% connected

Same as Programme.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Programme 76% connected

That which is written or printed as a public notice or advertisement; a scheme; a prospectus; especially, a brief outline or explanation of the order…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Sketch 76% connected

An outline or general delineation of anything; a first rough or incomplete draught or plan of any design; especially, in the fine arts, such a repres…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Specify 76% connected

To mention or name, as a particular thing; to designate in words so as to distinguish from other things; as, to specify the uses of a plant; to speci…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Study 76% connected

A setting of the mind or thoughts upon a subject; hence, application of mind to books, arts, or science, or to any subject, for the purpose of acquir…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

System 76% connected

An assemblage of objects arranged in regular subordination, or after some distinct method, usually logical or scientific; a complete whole of objects…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Think 76% connected

To seem or appear; -- used chiefly in the expressions methinketh or methinks, and methought.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a broader lexical category for at least one sense.

Manner of action 9

Blueprint 76% connected

See under Print.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Concert 76% connected

To plan together; to settle or adjust by conference, agreement, or consultation.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Cut 76% connected

of Cut

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Draft 76% connected

Pertaining to, or used for, drawing or pulling (as vehicles, loads, etc.). Same as Draught.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Draught 76% connected

The act of drawing or pulling

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Engineer 76% connected

A person skilled in the principles and practice of any branch of engineering. See under Engineering, n.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Map 76% connected

A representation of the surface of the earth, or of some portion of it, showing the relative position of the parts represented; -- usually on a flat…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Plot 76% connected

A small extent of ground; a plat; as, a garden plot.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Tailor 76% connected

One whose occupation is to cut out and make men's garments; also, one who cuts out and makes ladies' outer garments.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related verb as a more specific manner of this action.

Narrower term 24

Concoction 76% connected

A change in food produced by the organs of nutrition; digestion.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Configuration 76% connected

Form, as depending on the relative disposition of the parts of a thing' shape; figure.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Constellation 76% connected

A cluster or group of fixed stars, or dvision of the heavens, designated in most cases by the name of some animal, or of some mythologial personage,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Contrivance 76% connected

The act or faculty of contriving, inventing, devising, or planning.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Cross-purpose 76% connected

A counter or opposing purpose; hence, that which is inconsistent or contradictory.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Damascene 76% connected

Of or relating to Damascus.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Decalcomania 76% connected

Alt. of Decalcomanie

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Device 76% connected

That which is devised, or formed by design; a contrivance; an invention; a project; a scheme; often, a scheme to deceive; a stratagem; an artifice.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Emblem 76% connected

Inlay; inlaid or mosaic work; something ornamental inserted in a surface.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Herringbone 76% connected

Pertaining to, or like, the spine of a herring; especially, characterized by an arrangement of work in rows of parallel lines, which in the alternate…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Idea 76% connected

The transcript, image, or picture of a visible object, that is formed by the mind; also, a similar image of any object whatever, whether sensible or…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Marking 76% connected

of Mark

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Mind 76% connected

The intellectual or rational faculty in man; the understanding; the intellect; the power that conceives, judges, or reasons; also, the entire spiritu…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Motif 76% connected

Motive.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Motive 76% connected

That which moves; a mover.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Planning 76% connected

of Plan

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Sake 76% connected

Final cause; end; purpose of obtaining; cause; motive; reason; interest; concern; account; regard or respect; -- used chiefly in such phrases as, for…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Snare 76% connected

A contrivance, often consisting of a noose of cord, or the like, by which a bird or other animal may be entangled and caught; a trap; a gin.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Sunburst 76% connected

A burst of sunlight.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Tattoo 76% connected

A beat of drum, or sound of a trumpet or bugle, at night, giving notice to soldiers to retreat, or to repair to their quarters in garrison, or to the…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Trap 76% connected

To dress with ornaments; to adorn; -- said especially of horses.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

View 76% connected

The act of seeing or beholding; sight; look; survey; examination by the eye; inspection.

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Weave 76% connected

To unite, as threads of any kind, in such a manner as to form a texture; to entwine or interlace into a fabric; as, to weave wool, silk, etc.; hence,…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Will 76% connected

The power of choosing; the faculty or endowment of the soul by which it is capable of choosing; the faculty or power of the mind by which we decide t…

oewn 2023 0% interchangeable

Open English WordNet identifies the related term as a narrower or more specific lexical category.

Derivationally related 14

Designer 74% connected

One who designs, marks out, or plans; a contriver.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Designer 74% connected

One who designs, marks out, or plans; a contriver.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Forge 74% connected

A place or establishment where iron or other metals are wrought by heating and hammering; especially, a furnace, or a shop with its furnace, etc., wh…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Forge 74% connected

A place or establishment where iron or other metals are wrought by heating and hammering; especially, a furnace, or a shop with its furnace, etc., wh…

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Intent 74% connected

Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Intent 74% connected

Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Project 74% connected

The place from which a thing projects, or starts forth.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Project 74% connected

The place from which a thing projects, or starts forth.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Propose 74% connected

To set forth.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Propose 74% connected

To set forth.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Task 74% connected

Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Task 74% connected

Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount.

oewn 2023 15% interchangeable

Open English WordNet records a derivational relationship between these word forms.

Synonym 15

Aim 92% connected

To point or direct a missile weapon, or a weapon which propels as missile, towards an object or spot with the intent of hitting it; as, to aim at a f…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Blueprint 92% connected

See under Print.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Conception 92% connected

The act of conceiving in the womb; the initiation of an embryonic animal life.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Contrive 92% connected

To form by an exercise of ingenuity; to devise; to invent; to design; to plan.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Designing 92% connected

of Design

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Excogitation 92% connected

The act of excogitating; a devising in the thoughts; invention; contrivance.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Figure 92% connected

The form of anything; shape; outline; appearance.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Innovation 92% connected

The act of innovating; introduction of something new, in customs, rites, etc.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Intent 92% connected

Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Intention 92% connected

A stretching or bending of the mind toward of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Invention 92% connected

The act of finding out or inventing; contrivance or construction of that which has not before existed; as, the invention of logarithms; the invention…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Pattern 92% connected

Anything proposed for imitation; an archetype; an exemplar; that which is to be, or is worthy to be, copied or imitated; as, a pattern of a machine.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Plan 92% connected

A draught or form; properly, a representation drawn on a plane, as a map or a chart; especially, a top view, as of a machine, or the representation o…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Project 92% connected

The place from which a thing projects, or starts forth.

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Purpose 92% connected

That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure…

oewn 2023 68% interchangeable

Open English WordNet places these words in at least one shared synset. They share a lexicalised sense, but context, register and collocation should still be checked before substitution.

Explore further

Words from the same subject

These terms belong to the same specialist field or topic. They help you explore the subject, but they are not automatically synonyms.

Explore further

Words connected by meaning

Their definitions overlap or refer to similar ideas. Use these to widen your search, then compare the exact meanings.