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 As a result of a seven-week strike, major league baseball players approved a split-season format. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026 Drastic format changes With football seasons needing to conclude before Thanksgiving, TAPPS needed to find a way to end the season on time. Charles Baggarly august 6, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026 The format and viewing habit Disney is importing were popularized on TikTok. Maureen Kerr, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 There are nearly thirty 35mm prints in the program, and for some of them to be seen in original format is a chance of a lifetime. John Bleasdale, Variety, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • But finishing first and second in the model’s inaugural appearance confirmed the engineering brilliance of the 250 P’s mid-engine layout.
    Howard Walker, Robb Report, 31 July 2026
  • The converted building with its red brick facade is favored for its large windows, multi-level layouts, outdoor terraces and ceilings that reach up to 25 feet.
    R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • McCaleb and co-editors Skip Macdonald and Joey Liew, along with Golubić, continued to build sequences from scratch, allowing silence, dialogue, sound design or music to occur naturally depending on the needs of each scene.
    Deadline, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2026
  • The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.
    Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Along with discovering sulfur crystals, shiny meteorites and other unusual rock formations, Curiosity has made some of its biggest discoveries about ancient Mars, the space agency said.
    Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026
  • The legislation led to the formation of local agencies that are responsible for halting chronic declines in groundwater levels, including by imposing pumping limits and fees.
    Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • That figure has barely moved in three years of consecutive DDI surveys, across periods when the composition of work itself has changed significantly.
    Cindy Rodriguez Constable, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • In some ways, with the current composition of the roster, Niko stands as somewhat of a swing player.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 1 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Shifts in weather patterns radiate outward to other regions of the globe like sound waves from a bell being rung, said climate and public health researcher Jeffrey Shaman of Columbia University during an El Niño media briefing last week.
    Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026
  • From far away, this tight-block print looks almost like a checkerboard pattern.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The underlying theme here is that as AI implementation becomes more widespread, and as the technology keeps getting better, transparency, trust, and credibility are of the utmost importance.
    Rachel Wells, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • The theme here is Chicago’s elite defense and the organization’s confidence in its ability to look beyond the surface-level statistics.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

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“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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