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.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of form
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
Highlights include iconic football memorabilia such as Pelé’s 1958 World Cup jersey, Ronaldo artifacts from Brazil’s 2002 victory and a New York Cosmos installation, all presented in a mint green environment with circular, metallic forms inspired by footballs and lunar phases.
—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Created by Brad Ingelsby, the first season of Task found Ruffalo’s Brandis forming a task force to track down a crew of masked robbers, led by a working-class family man, that were carrying out a series of violent crimes in the Philadelphia area.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Noun
Then there was Max Verstappen’s early-year complaints against the new rules, and Lewis Hamilton’s return to form has been engaging.
—
Alex Kalinauckas,
New York Times,
23 June 2026
Highlights include iconic football memorabilia such as Pelé’s 1958 World Cup jersey, Ronaldo artifacts from Brazil’s 2002 victory and a New York Cosmos installation, all presented in a mint green environment with circular, metallic forms inspired by footballs and lunar phases.
—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
23 June 2026
Verb
The Cubs formed a committee with 2016 alumni, including Anthony Rizzo, Dexter Fowler, Jake Arrieta and Ben Zobrist, to help put together the three-day itinerary for the 10-year celebration in July, as well as to look for input on what ultimately became the Champions Gate.
—
Meghan Montemurro,
Chicago Tribune,
22 June 2026
Created by Brad Ingelsby, the first season of Task found Ruffalo’s Brandis forming a task force to track down a crew of masked robbers, led by a working-class family man, that were carrying out a series of violent crimes in the Philadelphia area.
—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
22 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
-
Leadership overhaul shapes direction The draft comes amid a broader organizational reset.
-
Thousands of them just bought these affordable, best-selling flip-flops with a foam footbed that adapts to the shape of your foot over time, offering custom comfort and support.
Noun
-
According to court documents, Zimmerman was playing golf at the hotel's course throughout the day with friends.
-
The court document does not contain detailed information about the camp’s finances.
Noun
-
But he is viewed by Labour supporters as a more effective, optimistic and plain-speaking communicator than Starmer, who's quiet, lawyerly manner has consistently failed to connect with the public's national mood.
-
Authorities have not said whether foul play is suspected, and no manner of death has been determined.
Noun
-
Some require extreme heat or highly acidic conditions.
-
Prescott-Hansen posted a $50,000 bond and was released without conditions.
Noun
-
As for beauty, Madonna wore her golden doll-like curls down with a middle part and hair clips.
-
Mattel Creations On Wednesday, eight months after the licensing agreement with Netflix was struck, Mattel announced the pending releases of the first dolls in the toymaker’s KPop Demon Hunters line.
Noun
-
Toni and Shakira appeared to be in trouble after one of the show’s most meta humiliation rituals, in which the group is treated to a showing of clips of themselves having private conversations about their castmates and lovers.
-
Because Capricorn is an Earth sign, Thomas shared rituals connected to nature may feel especially powerful during this lunar phase.
Noun
-
That also comes down to Blackberry’s affable take on Southern-style etiquette—polite but authentic and real; formal when called for yet folksy and easygoing when appropriate.
-
There's social etiquette and then there's Mama'n'em's etiquette.
Noun
-
This is a natural mosquito control method.
-
That is hard to achieve in collaborations like film, television, and the Marvel method.
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 28 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
