1
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
the wood-carver carved the block of wood into the form of a duck
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2
3
as in manner
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
it's bad form to throw a tantrum on the court just because you lost a tennis match
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4
as in condition
a state of being or fitness
after a long season off, the football team is back in good form
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5
6
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
we'll use the second form in our church missals for today's Lenten service
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7
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
displayed good form throughout the formal dinner
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8
as in method
the means or procedure for doing something
there are established forms for voting on motions and amendments at meetings
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9
10
as in format
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged
museumgoers liked the asymmetrical form of the mobile
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1
as in to crystallize
to take on a definite form
my ideas on the subject are just starting to form
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2
as in to comprise
to be all the substance of
this one sentence really forms the basis of your argument
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3
as in to produce
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials
formed the pot out of the clay
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4
as in to start
to come into existence
the new company formed from two smaller ones
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5
as in to develop
to come to have gradually
I don't want you beginning skiers to form any bad habits
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Examples Sentences
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Recent Examples of form
Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
The decision upheld a reform introduced in Florida in 2023 in the form of Senate Bill 2-A, which prohibited the state's long-standing practice of assigning benefits to another party for those holding insurance policies issued after January 1 of that same year.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025
Inset diamonds decorate the dial and case, forming a starry pattern worthy of the Milky Way.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for form 
Noun
Cleveland Browns: Will Campbell, OT, LSU Cleveland needs a lot of help, including in the form of another quarterback — with or without Deshaun Watson on the roster next year.
—Nick Baumgardner, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
The decision upheld a reform introduced in Florida in 2023 in the form of Senate Bill 2-A, which prohibited the state's long-standing practice of assigning benefits to another party for those holding insurance policies issued after January 1 of that same year.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Verb
The cinnamon rolls fuse together in the oven, forming a puffy casserole that's easily scoopable for serving.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 6 Jan. 2025
Inset diamonds decorate the dial and case, forming a starry pattern worthy of the Milky Way.
—Hannah Malach, WWD, 6 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
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With Abrams as an occasional intermediary, Pelletier and Wolff hammered out a basic story shape.Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
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Others could emerge — keep an eye on the Hoyas — to help the Big East match or exceed last season’s three-bid showing, with St. John’s in the best shape right now.CJ Moore, The Athletic, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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In 2012, the French investigative outlet Mediapart published a document allegedly from Libyan intelligence, claiming Gadhafi's regime agreed to contribute €50 million ($52 million) to Sarkozy's campaign.Natalie Venegas, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
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This document is intended for CNBC Pro subscribers only and is not for distribution to the general public.Katie Stockton, CNBC, 6 Jan. 2025
Noun
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Authorities in New York have released the cause and manner of death of a woman who was set aflame inside a subway car earlier this month.Samira Asma-Sadeque, People.com, 31 Dec. 2024
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The Onondaga County medical examiner’s office is conducting an autopsy and will determine the cause and manner of his death.Ed Shanahan, New York Times, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Bill was a product of these morphing social and political conditions.David A. Ross, Artforum, 1 Jan. 2025
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She was taken back to the ER on Nov. 7 in respiratory distress and with a condition called hemodynamic instability, in which her body was unable to maintain consistent blood flow and pressure.Susanne Rust, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2025
Noun
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The four artists showcased a collaborative mural, paintings on canvas, sketches on paper and a pyramid of dolls, masks, ceramic figures and books.Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
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Friends Dog Grooming Car Toy Get ready to build and play out a day at the groomer with this Lego Friends kit, which comes with two mini dolls, two dog toy figures, a car, pool, and pet care accessories.Mia Huelsbeck, People.com, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The rituals were simple yet effective—small acts of self-care that made the transition from the stress of the day to the serenity of the night feel seamless.Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 30 Dec. 2024
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Earlier research shows Neanderthals engaged in cultural rituals such as ornamental crafting, cave wall art, and even familial and social funeral burials.Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 26 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Learn the swim etiquette before diving in Sydney is a coastal city with many bodies of water—the ocean, public swimming pools, and rugged rock pools, also known as ocean baths—and here, swimming is taken seriously.Chloe Sachdev, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Dec. 2024
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My question is about the etiquette of using such a gift card.Jeanne Phillips, The Mercury News, 16 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Bill went home from Shea by his usual method: limo.Jay Nordlinger, National Review, 23 Dec. 2024
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New recycling methods are limited in availability and costly, which ironically means that landfilling is currently the most cost-effective disposal option.Ariel Cohen, Forbes, 23 Dec. 2024
Thesaurus Entries Near form
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 12 Jan. 2025.
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