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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
Snap up the newest models of Amazon devices like the Kindle Paperwhite and the Fire TV Stick. Isabel Garcia, People.com, 14 Feb. 2025 The outgoing model has a small (by today's standards) 4.7-inch screen with a resolution of 1,334 by 750 pixels. Eric Zeman, PCMAG, 14 Feb. 2025
Adjective
Rather than only considering any one number in isolation to assess a model and determine whether and how to deploy it, your team must work with visuals like a savings or profit curve that convey the complete range of model-deployment options. Eric Siegel, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 But how do teachers start molding preschoolers into model environmental citizens? Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 18 Sep. 2024
Verb
Central Michigan University in the fall began to offer a bachelor’s degree modeled on the University of Arizona’s, in public and applied liberal arts. Jon Marcus, The Christian Science Monitor, 11 Feb. 2025 Its carbon-fiber shins are modeled after jerboa desert rodents, increasing stiffness by an impressive 135% while only adding 16% to its weight. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 7 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for model 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • The body requires manganese for immune function, blood sugar regulation, digestion, reproduction, bone health, blood clotting, antioxidant defense, and many more bodily processes.12 Manganese is found in many plant and animal foods, such as nuts, seeds, seafood, fruit, and beans.
    Jillian Kubala, Health, 5 Feb. 2025
  • This discovery is one of many cases where fungi alter host behavior to facilitate their own reproduction.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Black mannequins, outfitted in de Vilmorin’s collection, gleamed atop red marble tables.
    Ian Malone, Vogue, 30 Jan. 2025
  • Bay Area designers created 16 mannequin displays that explore different aspects of Lunar New Year traditions from red envelopes and gold coins to dragon dances and big family dinners.
    Sal Pizarro, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Modeled on an idea from Sen. Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat, the agency has drawn sharp criticism from leaders of the financial industry and, more recently, from the new Trump administration.
    Daniel de Visé, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2025
  • While Rubio is asserting that Arabs don't have a plan and that Trump's new idea is the only one that exists, the region has long wanted to solve the conflict through the establishment of a separate Palestinian state.
    Iain Marlow Bloomberg News (TNS), arkansasonline.com, 16 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • Other lands are Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon – Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Ministry of Magic and Dark Universe, which features classic monsters such as the Creature From the Black Lagoon, the Mummy and brides of Dracula.
    Dewayne Bevil, Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2025
  • Our day on the water is capped by a VIP workshop tour of Bellini Nautica, the foremost Riva-restoration experts, as well as the company’s vintage Riva collection—the world’s most complete assemblage of the classic boats, featuring 20 models dating from the 1920s to the 1970s.
    Jen Murphy, Robb Report, 8 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Nye took the runway in a navy blue bomber jacket patterned with Greek gods and goddesses as well as a pair of black shorts that hit above the knee.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 5 Feb. 2025
  • Adam sticks the landing, so to speak, with a sumptuous corner sofa and patterned rug.
    Dan Howarth, Architectural Digest, 30 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • As an example, the Myra Alexander story, the subject of the first episode, is the 20th century African American urban experience in miniature.
    Robert M. Marovich, Chicago Tribune, 3 Feb. 2025
  • PDFs of the game books are available now, but backers of the crowdfunding can get physical books, miniatures of their favorite characters and more.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes, 18 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The young woman, held against her will by a mysterious figure, kills her captor and flees into the night.
    Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 17 Feb. 2025
  • By comparison, only 16% of potential buyers were almost certain or very likely to look at a Tesla before buying in the most recent survey, a figure that hasn’t changed much over the last four years.
    Chris Isidore, CNN, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • For example a key assumption of the city’s plan anticipates future major capital improvements to maintain and expand water, sewer, and stormwater systems, including treatment facilities, wells, pipe oversizing, and water tower.
    Graham P. Johnson, Twin Cities, 7 Feb. 2025
  • Key leaders like quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson need to set good examples and hold others to a high standard.
    The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 6 Feb. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near model

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.

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