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 But YouTube has typically leaned towards longer formats than those platforms. Moises Mendez Ii, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026 The format was different than normal, as each team’s five players played each hole together. Buddy Collings, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026 The format was developed during an era when Hollywood was attempting to combat the rising popularity of television. Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Is all of mathematical knowledge out there in some kind of textual or video format? Quanta Magazine, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • Standard rooms already feel generous by Vegas standards, and suites step up to apartment-like layouts, with separate living areas that make longer stays or work trips more comfortable.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Saly Karavan The interior features a classic tiny house layout, with most of the available space being taken up by the ground floor.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Vintage Modern builds custom cars by hand at its Buford facility, using classic designs as the inspiration while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.
    Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Portuguese touches are incorporated here too; the blanket on the bed comes from Burel and is made using wool from Serra de Estrela sheep into colorful, contemporary designs.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The team says understanding why the impurities do not prevent the formation of high-quality pyrite could help guide the development of similar materials from abundant resources.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2026
  • In the tour’s last two games, Alonso opted to use the three-at-the-back formation that served him so well as Bayer Leverkusen boss.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The question is less about that and more about the water’s composition.
    Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Though both forces were roughly the same size, their composition, arms, and battle tactics varied greatly.
    Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • But the climate pattern is just bringing the potential for more snow.
    Spencer Wilson, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026
  • There are a number of other climate models that show a similar pattern.
    Sean Macaday, Sacbee.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • For Garfield, the story’s themes of nature, imagination and community feel especially timely as technology increasingly shapes everyday life.
    ABC News, ABC News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Like, listening to the song, no one’s thinking about this theme of losing childhood joy and all these darker themes.
    Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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