1
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
the wood-carver carved the block of wood into the form of a duck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in manner
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
it's bad form to throw a tantrum on the court just because you lost a tennis match
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in condition
a state of being or fitness
after a long season off, the football team is back in good form
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
we'll use the second form in our church missals for today's Lenten service
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
displayed good form throughout the formal dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in method
the means or procedure for doing something
there are established forms for voting on motions and amendments at meetings
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
10
as in format
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged
museumgoers liked the asymmetrical form of the mobile
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to crystallize
to take on a definite form
my ideas on the subject are just starting to form
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to comprise
to be all the substance of
this one sentence really forms the basis of your argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to produce
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials
formed the pot out of the clay
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to start
to come into existence
the new company formed from two smaller ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to develop
to come to have gradually
I don't want you beginning skiers to form any bad habits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Recent Examples of form
Camelia Heins, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
The top of Turner’s look was designed with a snug, form-fitting silhouette with a slightly cropped style, while the midi skirt added a high-waistline element and pencil-skirt figure.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
On the other hand, mayors and city leaders formed powerful alliances to sell voters on investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the National Western Complex, and voters typically responded with generosity.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Noun
After a difficult year, Wednesday’s concert served as a form of catharsis for those attending.
—Camelia Heins, Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
The top of Turner’s look was designed with a snug, form-fitting silhouette with a slightly cropped style, while the midi skirt added a high-waistline element and pencil-skirt figure.
—Julia Teti, Footwear News, 8 Jan. 2026
Verb
Since Megadeth was formed in 1983, over a dozen additional members have been part of the band at different times.
—Jack Irvin, PEOPLE, 7 Jan. 2026
On the other hand, mayors and city leaders formed powerful alliances to sell voters on investing hundreds of millions of dollars into the National Western Complex, and voters typically responded with generosity.
—John Wenzel, Denver Post, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
-
The final shape of Fence was to be determined by whatever land-use permissions were granted to the Christos.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
-
Designed by women, for women, the Trailmix Cargo Pants are lightweight, durable, and stretchy, with an adjustable waistband that actually stays put, and a flattering shape that’s hard to find in women’s hiking gear.—
Ariana Dickson,
Travel + Leisure,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
His arm was pinned into the back window of a car as a suspect sped away, dragging him across the pavement for about 100 yards, according to court documents.—
Allison Gordon,
CNN Money,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This pair from Amazon is lightweight enough for all-day wear, features an elastic drawcord for a personalized fit, and even includes two zip pockets to securely store important travel documents.—
Julia Morlino,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Many japonica camellias, in the manner of other botanical hybrids, are sterile with their yellow, thread-like stamens and stigmas either absent or invisible.—
Joshua Siskin,
Oc Register,
8 Jan. 2026
-
The coroner said the manner of death has been ruled an accident.—
Tim Fang,
CBS News,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Weather, road conditions and local traffic patterns are also worth considering in this context.—
Ethan M. Stone,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
-
Kim said the rover’s onboard computer has flown on South Korea’s Nuri rocket, allowing the team to test critical control hardware under real space conditions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
There are a lot of options when looking for gifts for 7-year-olds, but some of my favorites include the viral Wall Crawler Gecko, the Bop It, and a scary-cool blind box doll set.—
Anja Webb,
Parents,
6 Nov. 2025
-
That includes seasonal drinks such as Peppermint Mocha and Caramel Brulée Latte – and new this year, special Hello Kitty merchandise including hot and cold cups and a special-edition Hello Kitty plush doll.—
Mike Snider,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Mount Hora may have been a natural monument, memorial or place where people returned to share cultural rituals — even generations after the cremation, Sawchuk said.—
Ashley Strickland,
CNN Money,
6 Jan. 2026
-
Michelle Buteau doesn’t believe in perfect mornings, spotless sweatpants, or rigid holiday rituals.—
Leslie D. Rose,
Parents,
6 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
The short video clip sparked online debate about culture, class and proper etiquette for eating certain foods.—
Peter Burke,
FOXNews.com,
4 Nov. 2025
-
Taking the high-road—and practicing good meeting etiquette—can ultimately be an effective way to earn recognition, show genuine commitment, and build credibility.—
Preston Fore,
Fortune,
4 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Now, for about five years, she's adopted the method for herself.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
9 Jan. 2026
-
The farmers also pitched in with efforts of their own, including adjusting fertilizer methods, controlling soil erosion and increasing on-site water retention.—
Amy Green,
Miami Herald,
9 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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