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
The blog post adds that newer models and wider AI familiarity might change the results if the trial were run today. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2026 More recently, Jaguar has struggled with leadership turnover and an aging lineup, ending production for most models two years ago while newer rivals like Tesla, Lucid and Porsche sped past. — Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
The cabin also remains largely the same as the E-Ray’s, with only minor model-year updates. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026 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
Verb
Researchers took mice used to model Alzheimer’s and other tauopathies, diseases marked by a buildup of the protein tau, and treated them with an antibody that blocks CXCR3, a molecule immune cells use to home in on sites of infection and damage. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 29 Sep. 2026 Leaders should model these behaviors consistently, recognize employees who demonstrate them and reinforce them through training and feedback. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Male zebrafish develop special structures on their pectoral fins that help with reproduction.
    — Junsu Kang, The Conversation, 5 Oct. 2026
  • This exhibit displays body parts and specimens crucial to human development and reproduction.
    — Emma Hall October 3, Sacbee.com, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • This chapter is accompanied by somewhat twee images of an owl doll, a bottle of designer perfume, a high heel, and a golden microphone positioned against various ancient Greek ruins, including the Parthenon and the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes.
    — Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The film has since been turned into a theme park, dolls, T-shirts, video games, and more.
    — Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The main idea of the company is to automate parts of these missions so personnel can concentrate on operational decisions rather than manually managing every aspect of a drone’s flight or sensor operation.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 11 Oct. 2026
  • Today, Sarah Stewart and Anthony Cataldo keep the spirit of Perse’s original idea alive in the West Hollywood store.
    — Viv Chen, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • At Turn Verein, the area’s German community center, revelers will have the opportunity to watch traditional dancing, listen to folk and polka bands and of course, drink steins of authentic German ale alongside classic Bavarian fare.
    — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 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
  • Drawing from the Renaissance game’s design and motif, there are playful talismans — geese, dragonflies, clovers, horseshoes, dice, keys and ladybugs — across trays, teapots, mugs, boxes, miniatures and espresso sets.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Rhode has continued to expand its cheek category, with a recent collaboration with Alexandra Leclerc to create Pocket Pearl, a miniature, reflective riff on the original formula.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 3 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • But the mannequin sporting a naval-grazing Christopher Esber gown begs to differ.
    — Ari Stark, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Ryan Lawlor, who came up with the idea for the town’s Halloween scarecrow contest, got the mannequin heads, then searched for the right pair of glass frames and found them in a Dollar Store.
    — Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • One example is basa, also known as swai, a freshwater catfish native to Southeast Asia.
    — Sara Rosenthal, Denver Post, 11 Oct. 2026
  • It will be limited to just 200 examples, half of which will be coupes, while the other half will be open-top spyders.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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