MODEL Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

model 1 of 3

noun

ˈmä-dᵊl

Definition of model next

as in reproduction

an exact representation of something in greatly reduced size the dollhouse was a tiny, perfect model of the family's actual house

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as in mannequin

a person who poses with or wears merchandise (as clothes) often for pictorial advertising the most famous models can earn thousands of dollars an hour

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as in idea

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation she's the very model of the dedicated teacher

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model

2 of 3

adjective

as in classic

constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated why can't you be like your sister, who is such a well-behaved model child?

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model

3 of 3

verb

as in to pattern

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misadjust

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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

Examples 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

The high-performance model is the most hardcore stock Mustang of all time. —

Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025 The new Razer Blade 16 is looking to trim the fat from the last-gen model, going back to a thinner chassis that still offers plenty of ports and high-end specs like RTX 50-series GPU options, a lovely OLED display, and a switch to AMD CPUs (a first for the Blade 16). —

Antonio G. Di Benedetto, The Verge, 10 Jan. 2025

Adjective

First established in 1879, these institutions aimed to remove Native American children from their families and communities, deny them the right to speak their languages and practice their religions, and train them to be model Americans. —

Kerri Malloy, The Conversation, 25 July 2024 Kim Ji-uk is known for being a model neighbourhood citizen and works night shifts at a convenience store. —

Sara Merican, Deadline, 17 July 2024

Verb

The art patron modeled the site off a Roman country house buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. —

Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025 Fanning modeled a look from Valentino‘s resort 2025 collection, designed by the label’s newest creative director, Alessandro Michele. —

Hannah Malach, WWD, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

In the wild, cats faced the challenge of limited prey, which favored only the most skilled hunters for survival and reproduction.

Michael Gfoeller And David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 14 Jan. 2025
Here, a reproduction of the article that ran in Women’s Wear Daily on July 20, 1956, including Dior’s thoughts on the WWD’s support of him and its succinct coverage of all things informing the fashion industry 365 days of the year.

WWD Staff, WWD, 10 Jan. 2025

Definition of reproduction

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“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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Last Updated: 20 Jan 2025 - Updated example sentences

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Synonyms of model

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