Definition of modelnext

model

2 of 3

adjective

model

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun model differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of model are example, exemplar, ideal, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When could example be used to replace model?

The meanings of example and model largely overlap; however, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

Where would exemplar be a reasonable alternative to model?

The synonyms exemplar and model are sometimes interchangeable, but exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

When might ideal be a better fit than model?

The words ideal and model are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

In what contexts can pattern take the place of model?

Although the words pattern and model have much in common, pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

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 model
Noun
Santos-Sanz argues radiative transfer models point toward the latter. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 19 Sep. 2026 The museum learned about the model after a video shared by Macken’s daughter featuring the replica went viral, prompting staff to reach out. — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
Initial deliveries will begin in South Korea in late 2026, followed by an official rollout to the United States, UK, Europe, and Australian markets in the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model-year vehicle. — New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026 This 2025 model-year car starts at $230,500—nearly $46,000 more—and comes to $289,585 as tested. — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
Kit Butler joins Hilton in some frames to model Karl Lagerfeld menswear. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026 Matt Willis is a former Marin County public health officer who used to work at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as an epidemiologist and now helps model the health impacts of climate change. — Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 16 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • But warmer temperatures favor mosquito reproduction and can mean the transmission season sometimes lasts as late as November, Bella explained.
    — Giada Zampano, Los Angeles Times, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Copyright law then provided a framework for determining ownership, licensing, reproduction and compensation.
    — Morey Haber, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The gift set also includes a Slappy doll and a retro edition of Night of the Living Dummy, featuring its original cover art.
    — Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The dolls feature fashionable clothing, long rooted hair and collective accessories, among other features, that represent their particular emotion.
    — Kimberly Nordyke, HollywoodReporter, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Venus in your communication zone connects awkwardly with Uranus in your career sector, making a message, comment, post, or casual idea more visible than intended.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026
  • And the tariffs are a terrible idea in any event, amounting to a consumer tax and interrupting crucial trade.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 19 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • 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
  • Remus Repeal Reserve Rye Whiskey is made from the distillery’s classic 95 percent rye grain mashbill, and is a blend of whiskey distilled in 2015 and 2016 that was bottled at 111 proof.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 18 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, leaflets ordering evacuations pattern the sky like a damned murmuration, and nighttime artillery fire paints striations like inverted fireworks.
    — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
  • Researchers deposit and pattern optical waveguides, which act as tiny pathways for light, on a silicon substrate.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • And in lower Manhattan, the old twin towers of the World Trade Center still stand sentry in Macken's miniature Gotham, albeit alongside One World Trade Center and the other gleaming skyscrapers constructed after the 2001 terror attacks.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026
  • HeeHaw, a petting zoo miniature donkey at Elsberry Riding and Farm in Rockmart, was shot by a Cedartown police officer who was conducting an unrelated search for a missing girl.
    — Taylor Croft, AJC.com, 18 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The car served as a test payload on the rocket's second stage, with a mannequin in a spacesuit in the driver's seat.
    — Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 14 Sep. 2026
  • Johansson recounted how, during one studio session, Saab picked up a single piece of black fabric and twisted, turned, and draped it into a bustier dress right on the mannequin.
    — Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The Sox need only look in the opposite dugout for an example.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The Gates Foundation spokesperson said a goal of the commitment is to help see accelerated learning and to help students catch up, one example being using the tool to give students more repetition and practice.
    — Sydney Lake, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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