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
This is just a mammoth problem with this model of looking to the private market to take care of people’s housing needs. Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 North Texas will see at least an inch of rain, with some models predicting as much as three inches. Michael Autovino, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
Adjective
In his Ocean Avenue apartment, Batchelor has a practice space and room for dozens of trumpets and his model-train set. Daniel Yadin, Curbed, 11 Feb. 2026 In the United States, model-publication licensing also likely collides with speech law. IEEE Spectrum, 2 Feb. 2026
Verb
Time to adjust your savings rate, time to model different scenarios, and time to make informed decisions rather than reactive ones. Miami Herald, 24 Feb. 2026 Add to that a tariff scenario planner that allows companies to model the impact of changing trade rules across their entire extended supplier network. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 24 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Extreme cold can cause stress and slow reproduction leading to fewer surviving pups, but rats are highly adaptable.
    Elle McLogan, CBS News, 27 Feb. 2026
  • Eskenazi says studies that investigate groups, such as pregnant women and fetuses, who may be most vulnerable to glyphosate exposure and research into whether glyphosate might affect human fertility and reproduction would be particularly useful.
    Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 27 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Today, the famous doll comes in various body types, skin tones, hair textures and physical abilities.
    Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 5 Mar. 2026
  • There is a little girl doll, that's me.
    Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 5 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • That idea was put forth way back in 1929 by Fritz Zwicky, the same Fritz Zwicky who coined the term supernova and was the first to theorize the existence of dark matter.
    Big Think, Big Think, 6 Mar. 2026
  • Invite friends to share their recent creative ideas with you to revel in mutual inspiration.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Sun and star motifs rendered in gold enhance the gem’s night sky coloring, while the classic flower designs celebrate the 130th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Monogram.
    Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • Inside the case is a classic two-compartment layout, with compression straps on one side.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 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
  • This is spectral accountability in miniature.
    Big Think, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026
  • The credits sequence alone, in which Bateman karate chops in slow motion to The Fifth Dimension, is an Emmy reel in miniature.
    Alison Herman, Variety, 1 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • In the final result, the dresses only fit their respective figure and position—they can’t even be moved from one mannequin to the other.
    Theo Belci, Artforum, 27 Feb. 2026
  • The silhouettes, presented custom mannequins cast from a sculpture of Talley by SCAD alum Stephen Hayes, will include pieces from Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Nicolas Ghesquière at Balenciaga, John Galliano-era Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès and Roger Vivier.
    Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 26 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The startup is just an example of how quickly products are coming to market, despite global competition.
    Evelyn Cheng, CNBC, 4 Mar. 2026
  • For example, a voter who cast a ballot in the Democratic primary could vote in the Democratic primary runoff, but not the Republican runoff.
    Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Mar. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.

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