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
Our draft model and everything had her a lot higher than 20. Marisa Ingemi, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026 What does that role-model status mean to you? Adam Finkel, Sun Sentinel, 14 Apr. 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
Using satellite data, tsunami and earthquake researchers can better model — and hopefully better forecast — these extreme ocean events. Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 7 Apr. 2026 That's different from the actual leak, which only contains a partial source for the AI tool, not model weights or training data. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • For classics that lack CAD designs, the cars can be scanned to make computer models for reproduction.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The Uncertainty Factor for the Grizzly Bear Cubs FWP researcher Cecily Costello noted that the timing of the birth aligns with typical grizzly reproduction patterns, as females generally have their first cubs between ages five and six.
    Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 10 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While the global economy has conspired for decades to bring down the cost of dolls and footballs, the biggest expenses of raising kids—childcare, summer camp, music lessons, babysitting, college tuition, health care—all suffer from Baumol’s cost disease.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Zara Larsson and Olandria, with their Bratz-doll-level glam by makeup artists Sophia Sinot and Ngozi Esther Edeme.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Material World is a weekly roundup of innovations and ideas within the materials sector, covering what’s changing in how fashion is made, scaled or engineered from emerging biomaterials and alternative leathers to sustainable substitutes and future-proof fibers.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2026
  • We were blessed to have a writers’ room that could generate 20 to 25 movie ideas.
    James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • This desktop app provides a faster way to access Lens than opening your browser, and Google's marketing materials show the tool proving useful for someone identifying a piece of classic artwork in a PDF.
    James Peckham, PC Magazine, 15 Apr. 2026
  • Though offerings shift, look for a summer-classic watermelon gose, prickly pear sour, and even a dill sour ale infused with brine and pickles.
    Chris Malloy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Apr. 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
  • Each of the Ferrari 296 Speciale miniatures are priced at $19,995, while a bespoke Ferrari model that’s an exact replica of your own will start at $27,995.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2026
  • The entire logic of the exhibition—with science and art, fresh names and familiar ones, lumped together—is here in miniature.
    Zachary Fine, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Rua enters the topic of humanness by depicting a pack of mannequins.
    Lauren Warnecke, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Bateman had crowned himself the successor to Jeffs, telling people that Jeffs had died and been replaced by a mannequin in his cell.
    Derek Lawrence, Entertainment Weekly, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Last summer, for example, internet sleuths on Google discovered private ChatGPT conversations that had been indexed on a public website without the users realizing it.
    ABC News, ABC News, 15 Apr. 2026
  • The Scottish National Party, for example, has blamed Westminster for allowing Grangemouth — which supplied all of Scotland's kerosene — to close.
    Ian King, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.

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