model 1 of 3

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
Plenty of Apple smart watches are slashed at Amazon, like the SE model that’s under $200 right now. Nicol Natale, People.com, 27 June 2025 The model would frequently give away items completely for free, researchers added. Billy Perrigo, Time, 27 June 2025
Adjective
In October, Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor said the brothers had been model prisoners and recommended that they be resentenced to 50 years to life in prison. Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 According to online reports, the buyers are model Olivia Culpo and her San Francisco 49ers husband Christian McCaffrey, who picked up the nearly 3.2-acre spread for $14.5 million. Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
The Book Society was modeled on the American Book-of-the-Month Club, established 1926. Nicola Wilson june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 In a profile for Vogue’s December 2023 issue, the former news anchor confirmed that the figurehead is actually modeled after Freyja, the Norse goddess of love, fertility, war and gold. Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 24 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • The drivers are housed in an acoustic chamber that is purpose-built to optimize human voice reproduction so it’s suited to vocals, podcasts, audiobooks and expressive music.
    Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Neem oil may also interfere with insect reproduction.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 12 June 2025
Noun
  • Working with the Department of Defense, along with NASA's flight control teams, the Artemis 2 crew members rehearse a launch pad abort scenario, using mannequins.
    Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Space.com, 19 June 2025
  • Each has its own theme, but all of the mannequins are arranged at floor level, with visitors invited to move between and among them, providing a unique opportunity to see looks from all angles and just inches away.
    Kelly Wetherille, Footwear News, 13 June 2025
Noun
  • If your idea of a good country getaway requires a stop by an antique mall, then add the Blue Moon Antique Mall and Bookstore to your list.
    Heather Bien, Southern Living, 28 June 2025
  • Whether that's a good idea, storytelling-wise, doesn't really matter in the great content machine that is Netflix (and, to be fair, all the other streamers, too).
    Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 28 June 2025
Adjective
  • Numerous artists have taken part over the past two decades, with the likes of Billie Eilish, Childish Gambino, Arctic Monkeys, and more reinventing classic tracks in the process.
    Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 20 June 2025
  • With an adjustable arm and lamp head, this LED task light has been modernized with a USB charging port but still maintains the same low-key charm of a classic adjustable light.
    Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 20 June 2025
Verb
  • Older quilts have been lost as communities have been destroyed and patterning on those quilts may be forgotten.
    Sonya Rehman, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
  • Some of their latest stylish items include colorful bikinis, cut-out one pieces and patterned pieces that call to mind a beach paradise.
    Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
Noun
  • Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • There is perhaps no industry figure more visible at the moment (besides actors themselves) than James Gunn, the new head of the DCU.
    Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
  • The prison has become an unexpected final chapter for some of America's notorious figures, including Ponzi scheme mastermind Bernie Madoff and mob boss John Gotti.
    Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • On Medicaid, for example, some centrist House Republicans are griping about the upper chamber’s decision to cap provider taxes at 3.5 percent by 2031 — a decrease from the current 6 percent — for states that expanded the social safety net program under the Affordable Care Act.
    Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 18 June 2025
  • The first of those, for example, is July 9, when dates for the opening six rounds of the campaign will be locked in.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 18 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 1 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on model

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!