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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Recent Examples of form
Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
The most severe form of punishment is expulsion, but the House has historically been reluctant to serve as the final arbiter of a lawmaker’s career, preferring to give that final say to the voters.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
David Remnick, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Each stator consists of two central proteins that dangle from the cell wall and five proteins of a different kind that form a pentagonal ring around the pair.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Noun
But the effervescent stage show, from creator Cinco Paul and director-choreographer Christoper Gattelli, is all but irresistible — a giddy love letter to the form that’s enough to turn even the most skeptical curmudgeon into a walking heart-eye emoji.
—Naveen Kumar, Variety, 21 Apr. 2026
The most severe form of punishment is expulsion, but the House has historically been reluctant to serve as the final arbiter of a lawmaker’s career, preferring to give that final say to the voters.
—ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
Linda had the head for business, and secured intellectual-property rights that eventually formed the basis for much of the company’s value.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 20 Apr. 2026
Each stator consists of two central proteins that dangle from the cell wall and five proteins of a different kind that form a pentagonal ring around the pair.
—Quanta Magazine, 20 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
-
The movement of Pinnock and Cheek drags out Gillingham’s defensive shape.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Nicotine, marijuana and excess alcohol have all been linked to lower sperm count, poor motility and abnormal shape.—
Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt,
CNN Money,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As part of her agreement to plead guilty, prosecutors will dismiss four felony counts of perjury, procurement or false or forged document to be filed, and two counts of not being entitled to vote in an election.—
Andrew J. Campa,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The Charter Review Committee has historically convened to seek resident input and give recommendations on which proposed amendments to the city’s charter — the document that governs the city — should be put in front of voters.—
Michelle Marchante,
Miami Herald,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Yet something about his manner seems to put people at ease.—
Kelefa Sanneh,
New Yorker,
20 Apr. 2026
-
Coward was a steak-and-kidney pie kind of fellow, and the characters in his plays obsessed over their manners, their tableware and their tea.—
Chris Jones,
Chicago Tribune,
20 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Inside the capsule, the team assessed the astronauts' condition following exposure to microgravity, radiation and the stresses of reentry, before assisting them onto a platform outside.—
Samantha Mathewson,
Space.com,
22 Apr. 2026
-
In her letter, Davids reiterated that balloon data is essential to understanding atmospheric conditions in real time.—
Matthew Kelly
April 22,
Kansas City Star,
22 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Inside, Sophie loves to play with her baby dolls and stuffed animals.—
Pioneer Press,
Twin Cities,
23 Apr. 2026
-
For a slower start, slide into a table at Cucharita, where bright Lele dolls sway from the ceiling and good luck sheep line up by the cash register.—
Carrie Honaker,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Celebrating love is universal, but the exact rites and rituals vary.—
Bailey Bujnosek,
InStyle,
11 Apr. 2026
-
For many, the day is less a one-time outing and more a ritual.—
Michael Howes,
Baltimore Sun,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
From walkway etiquette to line behavior, small choices can shape the experience for everyone around you.—
Jacqueline Dole,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Apr. 2026
-
Riding on buses and trains in Seoul, Lee encountered electronic signs instructing riders on the etiquette of using public transportation.—
Ray Mark Rinaldi,
Denver Post,
13 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Officials worked with Mi’kmaw archaeological technicians alongside both underwater and terrestrial archaeologists to excavate and document the wreck, adapting their methods to Sable Island's shifting sands.—
Andrea Margolis,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
-
This design enables use across a range of environments—from outdoor gatherings to event spaces—where traditional wine cooling methods may be impractical or inconsistent.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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