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 This fall — in its pre-packaged format — Whole Foods launched two new pizzas, a Traditional Margherita and a Spicy Italian Meat & Ricotta as well as a Thai Peanut Chicken wrap. — Rod Stafford Hagwood, Sun Sentinel, 12 Nov. 2026 The film, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027, will be screened in its original format on the center of the Dome’s LED screen, with immersive visuals surrounding it. — Tanya Fedak, Variety, 12 Nov. 2026 The 50th anniversary of the film will also a run in various Imax formats, along with a major merchandise blitz. — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 12 Nov. 2026 The eau de parfum will retail at 65 euros, 89 euros and 120 euros for the 30-ml, 50-ml and 100-ml formats, respectively. — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 12 Nov. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • Each pavilion is alike in design and layout, with a choice of garden or sea views.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Although courses can be customized for each client, a typical layout may incorporate a total of 17 self-steering Aquaticars taking passengers for 6-minute underwater rides along a 137-m (450-ft) circuitous track.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Elsewhere, Hotel Mylos on the west coast and Basgi Basgi in the north are drawing an increasingly design-conscious crowd.
    — Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The journey of the Rubik's Cube began in 1974, when Rubik was teaching design at the Academy of Applied Arts and Design in Budapest.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • In the aftermath, Welch’s office in August announced the formation of a working group, made up of only Democratic House lawmakers, to address workplace culture issues, including exploring ways to protect legislative employees from harassment.
    — Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 13 Nov. 2026
  • The risk of disarmament The question of Hezbollah’s military arsenal has been a perennial challenge for Lebanese state formation.
    — Tamirace Fakhoury, The Conversation, 13 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • The team also used molecular dynamics simulations to investigate how the membrane’s structure and solvent composition influence fluoride-ion movement.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Nov. 2026
  • While political affiliations may change the composition of a governing body, our fundamental responsibilities do not change.
    — Courier-News, Chicago Tribune, 6 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • According to the news release, the catalog documents births, injuries, migration patterns, and ages.
    — Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 8 Nov. 2026
  • Katherine Hosie, an executive leadership coach who works with senior leaders under sustained pressure, describes a similar pattern through a metaphor from Aldous Huxley's The Doors of Perception.
    — Sonal Nain, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Same cast, different show This latest flavor continues the casting theme of old, rather than changing things up and running a dedicated operating platform.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 Nov. 2026
  • Set in a 1986 Ghanaian boarding school, the play humorously tackles themes of girlhood and beauty standards.
    — Brittney Melton, NPR, 13 Nov. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 15 Nov. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster