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

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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

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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 Oral semaglutide already exists as a needle-free GLP-1 option, and several companies are developing dissolving oral films and other formats to deliver peptide drugs without a shot. — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 8 Oct. 2026 There would be only two games scheduled on each of the first three days rather than the current format of up to four games per day. — ABC News, 8 Oct. 2026 During those negotiations, the owners proposed a 14-team playoff format. — Evan Drellich, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2026 The company snapped up the worldwide format distribution rights outside of Japan. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • The 128 is semi-custom, like previous models, meaning owners can pick from a wide array of interior finishes, layouts, and furnishings.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Thanks to the home's single-level layout, there's plenty of headroom to stand up and move around.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Rooms Splayed across the cliff front and dense, thrumming jungle at the southwestern tip of Bali, the 37 villas that make up the property as of 2026 are each completely unique in design, character and art.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Often, the company sets its standards based on Japan’s service protocol, counter design and product innovation.
    — Jennifer Weil, Footwear News, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Shy, nerdy and a pacifist by nature, Pavi has a personality, if one that’s still in formation.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Meteorologists say Isaias’s late formation is largely because of the presence of El Niño, a pattern of unusually warm ocean waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean that can alter weather patterns across the planet.
    — Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Suddenly a rock song might be built of modular units that could be rearranged, whether in composition or on the fly.
    — Sadie Sartini Garner, Pitchfork, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The composition of the legislature will be a key factor regarding the ability to achieve reforms.
    — Michelle Caruso-Cabrera, CNBC, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Almost as alarming as the incidents themselves has been the government’s refusal to acknowledge a pattern of abuse that is clearly metastasizing at the Department of Homeland Security.
    — Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Ironically, the one spot where Dearborn Park genuinely engages the cityscape is along the west side of State south of Roosevelt where a row of single-family homes follows Chicago’s typical development pattern.
    — Edward Keegan, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But the seeds are planted quickly for weightier themes to be explored later.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The two biggest themes in the letter address OpenAI’s ability to monitor its advanced models and its engagement with third-party safety organizations, such as METR.
    — Emily Forlini, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 11 Oct. 2026.

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