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
One researcher involved in model development told the South China Morning Post that his team’s existing training pipelines depend on CUDA, making a hardware switch far from straightforward. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 Muso has built a collaborative healthcare model that reaches patients within 24 hours, for free — and now governments are scaling it themselves. Big Think, 11 Aug. 2026
Adjective
The Society of Arts was a model third-place institution, Richmond’s own semipublic coffeehouse. Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Sauntering alongside him is model Bryce. Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Verb
One of the best ways to teach kids how to have healthy relationships is to model them, Seewald said. Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 Strong management, where leaders model values and managers embed them, is crucial for translating policies into a positive daily experience. David Morel, Forbes.com, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Many occur naturally in the body and act as chemical messengers, influencing metabolism, inflammation, reproduction and other physiological processes.
    Robert Pearl, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Big reveals operate to compete within the dizzying churn by making a spectacle out of commonplace family reproduction.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • One element Davy loved was giving Jules black eyeliner under her eyes — a detail that’s a little baby doll-like.
    Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 10 Aug. 2026
  • May this doll remind every child and every collector that dreams have no limits, excellence leaves a lasting imprint, and true greatness never goes out of style.
    Alexis Mikulski Ruiz, VIBE.com, 10 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • About 80 per cent of City’s existing first-team squad went on the pre-season tour to Hong Kong and South Korea, meaning Maresca has been able to get his ideas across to most of the players.
    Nnamdi Onyeagwara, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Aries March 21 – April 19 Your bright idea needs an audience and a little editing.
    Tarot.com, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • For some residents who live along Woodward Avenue, the annual event is less about classic cars and more about the noise.
    Terell Bailey, CBS News, 14 Aug. 2026
  • The Florida resort also spruced up classic favorite attractions, like Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, while giving a new Muppets theme to its old Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster.
    Natasha Chen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Accidentally tromping through his bedding area now will only make him that much harder to pattern and kill.
    Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • During a commercial break, young girls competed in a (miniature) dunk contest to see who would bring the Barbie home.
    Irene Wright, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Devised by Mattel as the first trackable toy car in 1968, these cool miniatures have become one of the most popular toys of all time.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Noun
  • Her post included a look at sketches and fabric samples on a workroom table, her veil displayed on a mannequin and a clip of the Miu Miu team doing a fitting with Blondeau.
    Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Determined that Blake would never go without, Bateman quietly spent more than 200 hours practicing on a mannequin head and studying online tutorials to master hairstyles suited for her hair type.
    Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Noun
  • Wynn One example is the UAE's first casino resort, the Wynn Al Marjan Island, was originally due to open in the first quarter of 2027 but was recently delayed to September.
    Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Take gingham as an example; everyone’s favorite picnic plaid.
    Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 16 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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