model 1 of 3

model

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adjective

model

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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
Taylor Kinney, who plays Kelly Severide, has been married to model Ashley Cruger since 2024. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025 While playing abroad, Garcia sought to model his game after some of the greatest players to have played the position in this modern era. Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
Some models also feature adaptive noise cancellation to adjust ANC levels and ambient modes to allow specific sounds through, which helps noise control across different environments. Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure, 2 Oct. 2025 This model aligns well with the new data and points to a negative underlying cosmological constant. Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
From pin-straight recession brunette tresses to luscious D Hair Boutique extensions, her reunion moment was her signature style but with a more drenching wet, model-esque feel. Essence, 25 Aug. 2025 AIs also require a lot of energy during training, a fraction of which might be counted against any single request made to the model post-training. Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Another, the cost of reproduction hypothesis, suggests that carrying and delivering a child, and providing parental care, can come with a survival cost, according to the study.
    Amarachi Orie, CNN Money, 3 Oct. 2025
  • Without this abundance, reproduction rates fall, cub survival drops, and entire ecosystems can shift.
    Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 1 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pedestrians walk past a Nike store featuring a modern design and mannequins displaying winter apparel on December 5, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
    Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Rodriguez said the mannequins were intended as a political statement reflecting his views on current immigration policy and the country's direction.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Across a little over nine years in English football, Guardiola has learned from a different culture and adapted his own ideas to keep pace with changing times.
    Jordan Campbell, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
  • That idea also died against business and political opposition.
    Jim Riccioli, jsonline.com, 6 Oct. 2025
Adjective
  • There’s even been a couple of classic cup finals to enjoy, while the Arch, at 436 feet almost three times as tall as the old towers, has become a genuine landmark on the London skyline.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Both of these have the classic looks of black and shiny, rust-resistant zinc.
    Clint Davis, Southern Living, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The truth is stark: AI can already outperform humans at a vast number of cognitive tasks, from data analysis to pattern detection to diagnosing problems no one else sees.
    Mike Hoffman, Fortune, 28 Sep. 2025
  • Evelyn’s agenda, articulated in a book that is unconvincingly treated as a bestseller, has something to do with epigenetic trauma and kids being the victims of psychoses patterned through their parents.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • See Model Trains If your interests lean toward railways and miniatures, Hendersonville has the place for you.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Potted mums range from $5 for miniatures to $8 for regular-sized.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Scored twice in the cup, but no goals in five league appearances and has cut a frustrated figure.
    Tim Spiers, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The extra high waist and a touch of stretch mean no waist gapping even for curvier figures.
    Chaunie Brusie, Parents, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • For example, the Securities and Exchange Commission, which is designed to protect investors and keep financial markets fair, is one of more than two doen agencies that are legally similar to the FCC.
    Erin Mansfield, USA Today, 3 Oct. 2025
  • In Geneva, for example, a nuclear invention from CERN researchers in the early 2000s led to the founding of a novel cancer treatment, and ultimately, to its $4 billion acquisition by Novartis.
    Peter Vanham, Fortune, 2 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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