model 1 of 3

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

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

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
The current internal combustion GLC lineup runs from $50,700 to $87,900 across four models — GLC 300, GLC 350e, AMG GLC 43, and AMG GLC 63 S E Performance. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 24 Mar. 2026 The back-and-forth revolves around Anthropic's push to bar the military from using its AI model Claude to surveil Americans or power fully autonomous weapons. Joe Walsh, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Adjective
The strength of multi-model AI lies in its practicality and usability. Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone, Miami Herald, 25 Feb. 2026 The documents also include a model daily schedule from January 2026 that shows at least some of ICE's new recruits are receiving about half the training hours as previous cohorts, according to an analysis by Democratic staff with the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigation. Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 23 Feb. 2026
Verb
And that’s a pretty great thing to model for your kids. Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 10 Mar. 2026 But uncertainty leads to a wider range of outcomes, including things that nobody ever thought to even model. Zev Fima, CNBC, 10 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Throughout, artworks by Lawrence Weiner and Lee Ufan are paired with reproductions of important modernist furniture by the likes of Le Corbusier and Gerrit Rietveld.
    Wendy Goodman, Curbed, 21 Mar. 2026
  • When life falls out of sync, there can be dire consequences for health, reproduction, and survival.
    Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 20 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Three-year-old Agatha Acker, in a cute gingham outfit and gas mask, brought along her doll, Betty Lou, also tricked out in a pretty dress, and a gas mask.
    Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 26 Mar. 2026
  • Put on your cutest pink outfit and channel your inner child at this event that’s 100% dedicated to the iconic Mattel doll.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • This idea was unbearable, but watching her gasp for air was worse.
    Amanda Peet, New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2026
  • What began as a risqué idea has grown into a cultural fixture in San Francisco, drawing skaters of all ages and backgrounds.
    Loureen Ayyoub, CBS News, 20 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The menu features classic Italian dishes with contemporary twists.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Mar. 2026
  • The show, which puts a funny twist on the classic tale of Dracula, is filled with comedy and romance, and that romance can be seen both onstage and off.
    Dillon Thomas, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • In my two-level penthouse suite, for example, quietly floral wallpaper, gray-velvet sofas and armchairs, and patterned cream tiles with gold accents in the bathrooms made for a sophisticated, yet welcoming space.
    Megan Spurrell, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Jan. 2026
  • The institutions studied by political scientists do not exist outside ideology but are simply patterned instances of ideology—and if ideology changes drastically enough, the institutions change with it.
    Jason Blakely, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • By the time it was completed in 1935, about 100 people had worked on the Fairy Castle — which contained more than 1,500 miniatures and cost nearly $500,000.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
  • The film also features a car chase depicted with miniatures and stop-motion animation to convey humanoid figures who have removed their skin.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Models strutting in retro pouffy wigs (the models literally look like ’60s mannequins), shirts with giant buttons, leather pants that look four sizes too huge.
    Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Developed by Laerdal Medical, the high-fidelity mannequin was designed to recreate real childbirth conditions with startling realism.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • For example, Desert needs to get her wisdom teeth removed but says the TSA isn’t approving time off during the shutdown.
    ABC News, ABC News, 25 Mar. 2026
  • For example, there was no mandate that immigration officers wear identification or other changes the White House had floated earlier in talks, including a ban on immigration enforcement at schools, churches, hospitals and other sensitive places, the person said.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 25 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 28 Mar. 2026.

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