model 1 of 3

Definition of modelnext

model

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adjective

model

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun model differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of model are example, exemplar, ideal, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could example be used to replace model?

The meanings of example and model largely overlap; 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 model?

The synonyms exemplar and model are sometimes interchangeable, but exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

When might ideal be a better fit than model?

The words ideal and model are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

In what contexts can pattern take the place of model?

Although the words pattern and model have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

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 model
Noun
The model revealed their engagement in December 2024, sharing a post featuring highlights from the family's holiday season together. Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 16 June 2026 The department official argued that students with disabilities should be supported by an education model agency. Arthur Jones Ii, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
Ackman sees that restructuring as a pivot to a multi-model architecture that can better suit the needs of its enterprise customers. Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 May 2026 Nicola’s parents, billionaire Nelson and his ex-model wife Claudia Heffner, were sued over the family pet about a year and a half ago. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 13 May 2026
Verb
From at least 2019 to 2021, Khan lured his victims to New York hotel rooms with the promise of hiring them to model their feet, according to a federal indictment. Matt Lavietes, NBC news, 10 June 2026 Before their divorce was finalized, Lenny announced his engagement to model Katharina Mazepa in July 2023, but the pair appear to have since broken up. Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 9 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • The problem is, mainstream science and society have been slow to move away from the narrative that all animals copulate only for reproduction, any same-sex activity is purely anomalous (and unnatural), and every species is male-dominated.
    Rachel Brodsky, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2026
  • The new earbuds are designed to deliver natural ambiance with high-quality audio reproduction without the need for electronic pass-through modes.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • The fan selection between the two characters was the latest in a flurry of announcements made by the toymaker after Netflix named Mattel master toy licensee for KPop Demon Hunters dolls, action figures and other products in October 2025.
    Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026
  • In January of this year, Lee was honored by Barbie with an Inspiring Woman doll.
    Briauna Brown, CBS News, 18 June 2026
Noun
  • In Labour circles, there is an old joke poking fun at Burnham’s chameleon-like ability to blend into whichever set of ideas is in vogue on the left at that moment in time.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 20 June 2026
  • That idea guided nearly every aspect of the wardrobe.
    Precious Fondren, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2026
Adjective
  • Tandoori Pizza is best known for combining classic Indian dishes, like tandoori chicken, malai paneer, curry chicken and chicken tikka and serving it on a pizza crust, the website showed.
    Emma Hall, Sacbee.com, 17 June 2026
  • Melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction in fun flavors of single-serve packs from limited-edition sugar cookie and cinnamon bun to classic, white cheddar, limited-edition Spicy Dill Pickle and more.
    ABC News, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Verb
  • The tightly cropped chromatic study harmonized peach (a broom leaning against a wall to the woman’s right), persimmon (her intricately patterned piqué dress), auburn (her voluminous hair), and faded ocher (the surrounding architecture).
    James Quandt, Artforum, 2 June 2026
  • Rather than scrap her vision for a statement patterned wall entirely, Nakamoto decided to add some wood trim around the wallpaper, almost like a frame, and the whole thing was solved with a trip to The Home Depot and some cutting.
    Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • In addition to writing the screenplay with Ford, Fish designed the sets, costumes, and miniatures, while also doing the hair and makeup for the all-Drag cast.
    Wilson Chapman, IndieWire, 12 June 2026
  • Those miniatures eventually grew into larger chamber works and orchestral compositions.
    Lily Brown, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The idea is to have expert hairstylists train uninitiated or intimidated fathers on how to comb and braid their kids’ hair, using salon-type head mannequins but in a setting for bros.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026
  • Next to a limp rack of sleeveless tops stands a postapocalyptic forager-warrior mannequin in jeans, a faded plaid shirt, and a black baseball cap from the plus-size-women’s brand Torrid.
    Caity Weaver, The Atlantic, 12 June 2026
Noun
  • The consumer backlash, which prompted Lululemon to issue an apology and scrub its campaign, is the latest example of how quickly Western brands can come unstuck in a country where nationalism has surged under strongman leader Xi Jinping.
    Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 17 June 2026
  • For example, when Curacao played Germany, the World Cup newcomers equalised just before the first hydration break.
    Tom Burrows, New York Times, 17 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.

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