form

1 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 cast, configuration, conformation, fashion, figure, geometry, shape Related Words contour, outline, profile, silhouette; frame, framework, shell, skeleton; arrangement, design, format, layout, makeup, organization, pattern, plan, setup Near Antonyms composition, material, matter, raw material, stuff, substance

2 a piece of paper with information written or to be written on it I filled out all the forms for applying to the school Synonyms blank, document, paper Related Words instrument, writ; filing; sheet

3 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 etiquette, manner, mores, proprietiesRelated Words amenities, civilities, pleasantries; bearing, demeanor, deportment, mien; courtesy, decorum, mannerliness, politeness; formalities, protocol, rules; air, attitude, carriage, poise, polish, pose, posture, presence; custom, habit, pattern, practice (also practise), trick, way, wont; convention, fashion, mode, style

4 a state of being or fitness after a long season off, the football team is back in good form Synonyms estate, fettle, condition, health, keeping, kilter, nick [British], order, repair, shape, trimRelated Words practice (also practise); pass, phase, stage; footing, picture, posture, scene, status, situation; rank, standingNear Antonyms disorder, disrepair

5 a three-dimensional representation of the human body used especially for displaying clothes put the dress on the form to finish pinning it together Synonyms dummy, figure, mannequin, manikin (also mannikin)Related Words doll

6 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 ceremonial, ceremony, rite, formality, observance, ritual, solemnityRelated Words amenities, civility, decorum, etiquette, graces, proprieties; protocol; convention, custom, habit, manners, mores, practice (also practise), standard, tradition, way; celebration, service

7 socially acceptable behavior displayed good form throughout the formal dinner Synonyms decorum, decency, proprietyRelated Words etiquette; civility, courteousness, courtesy, gentilesse, gentility, graciousness, mannerliness, politeness, politesse; dignity, grace, refinement; discretion, prudence; appropriateness, correctitude, correctness, decorousness, fitness, rightness, seemliness; attention, attentiveness, care, carefulness; character, goodness, high-mindedness, honesty, honor, integrity, morality, probity, rectitude, righteousness, straightness, uprightness, virtue, virtuousnessNear Antonyms coarseness, crudeness, gracelessness; discourtesy, impoliteness, incivility, vulgarity; imprudence, indiscretion; badness, evil, immorality, wickedness; debauchery, degeneracy, degradation, depravity, perversion; crookedness, dishonesty, underhandedness, unscrupulousnessAntonyms impropriety, indecency, indecorum

8 the means or procedure for doing something there are established forms for voting on motions and amendments at meetings Synonyms approach, fashion, method, how, manner, methodology, recipe, strategy, style, system, tack, tactics, technique, wayRelated Words mode, modus operandi; blueprint, design, game, game plan, ground plan, intrigue, layout, line, model, plan, plot, program, route, scheme; expedient, move, shift, step; practice (also practise), process, routine; policy