Definition of formatnext
1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized the book's format is very user-friendly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged this abstract painter bases the format of his works on color and its subtle gradations and not line or form

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 format As a result of a seven-week strike, major league baseball players approved a split-season format. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Drastic format changes With football seasons needing to conclude before Thanksgiving, TAPPS needed to find a way to end the season on time. Charles Baggarly august 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026 The format and viewing habit Disney is importing were popularized on TikTok. Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 There are nearly thirty 35mm prints in the program, and for some of them to be seen in original format is a chance of a lifetime. John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • Images from China over the years have shown a mockup of the presidential office, other government agencies and street layouts in Taipei built in the Chinese desert and troops attacking it in exercises.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 7 Aug. 2026
  • New lighting and wall labels, redesigned layouts, and the introduction of new services are all aimed at enhancing the visitor experience, while the Uffizi will protect its treasures through improved conservation and security schemes.
    News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • McCaleb and co-editors Skip Macdonald and Joey Liew, along with Golubić, continued to build sequences from scratch, allowing silence, dialogue, sound design or music to occur naturally depending on the needs of each scene.
    Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Turnshek’s research as an astronomer has primarily focused on galaxy formation and quasars, the luminous cores of distant, ancient galaxies.
    Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 8 Aug. 2026
  • Even a brief loss of vision can create serious risks during aerial refueling, low-altitude flight, formation operations, or landing.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • However, it can also be influenced by other factors, such as meal composition, hydration status, stress, and sleep amount and quality, Soares notes.
    Kirsten Nunez, Martha Stewart, 8 Aug. 2026
  • The finished album also reaches much further back, reviving three previously unheard songs Young originally wrote in 1963 alongside newer compositions.
    SPIN Staff, SPIN, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The small spaces between leaves will dapple patterns of the eclipse phase on the ground.
    Jackie Wattles, CNN Money, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The rise in deadly crashes has some drivers concerned about navigating the construction zone, particularly with lane shifts and changing traffic patterns.
    Carmela Karcher, CBS News, 12 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The story centers on an authoritarian father and his two sons on vacation following a difficult separation and explores themes of power, masculinity and patriarchy.
    Ed Meza, Variety, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Its themes of environmental fragility, social inequality, labour and belonging resonate strongly with the identity of our region.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 9 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 14 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on format

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster