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
Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
The law allows anyone from the community to challenge a book simply by filling out a form, at which point the school is mandated to remove that book within five days.
—James B. Blasingame, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2025
Sam Sussman
september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
The House can form its own expert committees, and more in-house economic expertise in both chambers is deeply needed.
—James B. Speta, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for form
Noun
Incorporate different textures and materials in the form of wood stools, galvanized planters, and ceramic crocks for rustic charm.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Sep. 2025
The law allows anyone from the community to challenge a book simply by filling out a form, at which point the school is mandated to remove that book within five days.
—James B. Blasingame, The Conversation, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
Boys and men who have closer relationships with their mothers are more emotionally open, form stronger friendships, achieve higher academically, and are more likely to seek needed mental health care.
—Sam Sussman
september 16, Literary Hub, 16 Sep. 2025
The House can form its own expert committees, and more in-house economic expertise in both chambers is deeply needed.
—James B. Speta, Twin Cities, 16 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
-
Researchers at Rice University have developed a soft metamaterial that can quickly change size and shape under remote control.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
19 Sep. 2025
-
The Plus by Vestre Set deep in the Norwegian forest, The Plus is one of the most environmentally innovative factories in the world, a furniture maker built in the shape of a massive plus sign, with meaningful sustainable design touches throughout.—
Ethan Karp,
Forbes.com,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
An immigration judge has ordered Mahmoud Khalil to be deported to Algeria or Syria, according to court documents filed Wednesday.—
Ross O'Keefe,
The Washington Examiner,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Scott Olson/Getty Chinese President Xi Jinping and Tunisian President Kais Saied witness the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in various fields including green and low-carbon development and investment after their talks in Beijing, capital of China, May 31, 2024.—
Jeff Young,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
One of the fundamental factors influencing the sustainability of this withdrawal rate is the manner in which retirement funds are invested.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
Foundations Over the course of a renowned 50-year career, evidenced by some 300 custom-house designs, the Los Angeles architect Richard Neutra evolved an exhaustive manner of interviewing clients, even by today’s standards.—
Richard Olsen,
Forbes.com,
17 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Those hurdles cropped up after the FDA in August approved Covid shots for those 65 and up and younger adults with at least one underlying condition that puts them at higher risk of severe illness from the virus.—
Annika Kim Constantino,
CNBC,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The agency claimed hazardous working conditions led to serious lower back and other musculoskeletal disorders at Amazon facilities.—
Dave Smith,
Fortune,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Last year, the Queen hosted a reception connected to the 100th anniversary of Queen Mary's Dolls' House, which the Royal Collection Trust touts as the world's largest and most famous doll house.—
Janine Henni,
PEOPLE,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The Brave Ken doll also comes with a rooted wig and the other accessories.—
Anna Halkidis,
Parents,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Wellness is embedded into every touchpoint - from sunrise cacao rituals on the beach to temazcal ceremonies led by local healers.—
Roger Sands,
Forbes.com,
15 Sep. 2025
-
That ritual has become both mirror and armor—the quiet mathematics that kept her whole.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The story has sparked a debate about supermarket etiquette and generational behavior.—
Maria Morava,
MSNBC Newsweek,
17 Sep. 2025
-
Riding etiquette is important Many e-bikes weigh more than 50 pounds.—
Rick Barrett,
jsonline.com,
15 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The set features traditional imagery, including fruit and evergreens, a holly wreath, two cardinals perched on mistletoe and a scarlet amaryllis bouquet—all designed using a collage method.—
Aliss Higham,
MSNBC Newsweek,
18 Sep. 2025
-
The method is well known in other fields but had not been used for solid electrolytes before.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
18 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 19 Sep. 2025.
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