model 1 of 3

Definition of modelnext

model

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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
Kevin expressed his gratitude for his many years with the 41-year-old model ahead of their 10th wedding anniversary this August. Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026 Their middle son, actor-model Jake, 24, adopted a baby girl with his actress wife Millie Bobby Brown last summer. Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 12 May 2026
Adjective
Zendaya looked model-esque and confident in the dress while striking poses and laughing in front of the event’s photographers, as captured in videos. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Mar. 2026 The big difference is model-specific Volcano Grey Metallic trim in the front and back. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 11 Mar. 2026
Verb
According to the results, the find could greatly reshape research and improve the way scientists model supernova explosions. Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 21 Apr. 2026 Municipal leadership should model the very best of democratic governance. Denise Horland, Sun Sentinel, 20 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Remember, plants produce flowers as a means of reproduction.
    Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 9 May 2026
  • An eBay seller claimed to have Jeffrey Epstein‘s reproduction of a painting by Kees van Dongen, a Dutch painter who became a part of the Fauvist movement in France during the early 20th century.
    Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 8 May 2026
Noun
  • Additional offerings include a T-shirt and tote bag by Michael Kors, wooden nesting dolls by Thom Browne, a silk scarf by Tory Burch, Charlotte Chesnais jewelry and Jean Paul Gaultier fragrance.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
  • The main space is filled with musical instruments, a Buddha statue, a Yoda doll, a skull, and glam platform boots perched atop a piano.
    Pamela Chelin, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
Noun
  • Of course, Father’s Day brunch ideas must go beyond casual weekday toast and cereal, because the fathers and father figures in our lives deserve a little extra effort.
    Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 9 May 2026
  • The kind of storm leaving Maxey resigned to the very idea of defeat before the halftime break.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
Adjective
  • Whatever your summer itinerary, a striped button-down shirt is one of those classic staples that deserves a spot in your closet.
    Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 12 May 2026
  • The aesthetic feels classic Four Seasons—comfortable rather than trendy.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 May 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
  • While miniature, this space capsule is no toy.
    Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 11 May 2026
  • Next up, a build plate of an entire droid army of miniatures.
    Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Aariana Rose Philip is at the Met Gala for the first time, but a mannequin of her body is already inside the museum.
    Dalila Muata, NBC news, 5 May 2026
  • These include pregnant bodies, aging bodies and more — and will be displayed in a variety of mannequins that are new for this year.
    Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 5 May 2026
Noun
  • Their collapse against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League is the best example, but this is also what happened against City in April.
    Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • For example, say the Heat were to instead pursue Lauri Markkanen perhaps with Kel’el Ware and Tyler Herro as the hook and then learn those two components could have closed a Giannis deal?
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 12 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 13 May. 2026.

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