1,400 new words in our dictionary! — Parasocial, glow-up, promposal & more
1,400 new words in our dictionary! — More

format

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce format (audio)
Definition of formatnext
1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized the book's format is very user-friendly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged this abstract painter bases the format of his works on color and its subtle gradations and not line or form

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 format Lucas’ Wagyu can also be found in steak format and in a pasta Bolognese. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026 The United Arab Emirates’ Dubai Interntional Film Festival is being revived following a 10-year hiatus, although not in the same format as the original event. — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 17 Sep. 2026 The piece reprises a format used in 2017 by Sierra to confront the Syrian Civil War, which had begun in 2011 and continued until December 2024. — Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026 Officials have long pointed to data suggesting the format was popular among fans despite some mixed reviews from drivers since its debut in 2021. — Luke Smith, New York Times, 16 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
  1. layout
  2. design
  3. formation
  4. composition
  5. pattern
  6. theme
Noun
  • In flight tests, the tiny drone navigated pitch-black enclosures, mapped unknown room layouts, hugged surface contours, and located exits without a single visual cue.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Yes, thanks to spacious two-queen room layouts and complimentary cribs.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Crsbr opens design options The researchers measured conversion across a microwave bandwidth of roughly 300 megahertz.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Roman design studio Roselli Architetti was enlisted to restore it into one building without forgetting its history; the result is a striking design that blends ancient artifacts with retro midcentury flooring and contemporary furnishings.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • Why Arizona State’s motion could test KU When an offense sends a receiver sprinting across the formation immediately before the snap, the movement can accomplish several things.
    — Taylor Eldridge, Kansas City Star, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The hour captures Strings and his four-piece acoustic band — mandolin, upright bass, banjo and fiddle — in classic picking session formation, with a setlist that also includes selections from 2021’s Renewal.
    — SPIN Staff, SPIN, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • The technique uses reflected light from a laser popped at a target to see the molecular structure of a mineral, which in turn reveals the mineral's composition.
    — Elizabeth Howell, Space.com, 5 Sep. 2026
  • This tension is often subtext enough, and it’s accentuated by cinematographer Adric Watson’s tight and dirty frames, which confine Maya and Arti through astute visual composition, as the reality of their cushy lives is gradually illuminated.
    — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 5 Sep. 2026
Definition of composition
Noun
  • This pattern is likely to continue away to Manchester United in the third round of the Carabao Cup next week — Steele kept goal at Old Trafford for a 2-1 win in the third round of the FA Cup in January.
    — Andy Naylor, New York Times, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Many scientists, however, have expressed fears that solar geoengineering could have disastrous global implications, including dramatically altering weather patterns.
    — Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • The feeling of two characters perpetually fighting within her has long been a theme in her therapy sessions.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 18 Sep. 2026
  • No one here can escape the Monster signature, which is to make its themes obvious and its takeaways muddled; the whole thing is spectacle without reflection.
    — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of theme

Browse Nearby Words

formals
format
formation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 19 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 18
See More

Popular

See More

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
crayons-in-a-circle
Guess the Color Quiz Questions that use the whole box of crayons.
See All