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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

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 Patek operation is both artisanal and impressively industrialized—beginning with the CNC machines that pump, cut, stamp, and form, among other things, cases, bracelets, and the hundreds of minuscule components that comprise even the most basic Patek model. Victoria Gomelsky, Robb Report, 23 Dec. 2024 Different funding models do exist within America’s avalanche centers. Frederick Dreier, Outside Online, 23 Dec. 2024
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
Belen Vazquez, Riverdale High School Belen is the current senior Student Body President who leads by example while modeling community service with dedication and compassion. Gabrielle Chenault, The Tennessean, 20 Dec. 2024 In the event of a shutdown, modeled on what would have happened in September, the SSA said more than 8,000 of its staff members would be furloughed. Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for model 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • Advertisement Their population rebounded from the brink of extinction thanks to the banning of DDT in 1972 and successful campaigns to protect their habitat and encourage their reproduction.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 28 Dec. 2024
  • This fusion allows the virus to release its DNA or RNA into the host cell, initiating reproduction.
    Amanda Castro, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Just past a wall installation of signature Siegelman caps brandished with the stable’s insignia is a mannequin rendering of the brand’s first-ever tracksuit, styled as a replica of the elder Siegelman’s jockey uniform from the 1980s.
    Essence, Essence, 23 Dec. 2024
  • Simple mannequin photos were captured using a phone and then digitally transformed into a stunning shoot.
    Stephan Rabimov, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • John Werner has created a career out of bringing ideas, networks and people together to generate powerful results.
    John Werner, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024
  • Swed, our resident optimist, reminded us that the formula for artistic success is straightforward, if not simple: Artists create big ideas, boards work to fund them, audiences reward the risk.
    Craig Nakano, Los Angeles Times, 30 Dec. 2024
Adjective
  • Jim Clash covers extreme adventure and classic rock.
    Jim Clash, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024
  • The Liforme classic yoga mat is designed to be the most innovative and comfortable mat on the market to optimize your home exercises.
    Nora Colomer, Fox News, 28 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • This was no primly patterned minuet, where dancers stood side by side, attention directed to precisely mapping elaborate steps.
    Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
  • Some folks choose to incorporate bright, bold colors into their bathrooms, with a textured mat or patterned shower curtains.
    Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 29 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For months, Bode sourced vintage and antique ornaments, including bulbs, plastic candies, and wooden miniatures such as instruments, birds, and a sleigh.
    Elise Taylor, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024
  • Other treasures included posters, signed cast photos, sketches of the sets and components, and the miniature of the Galileo shuttle used for filming.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 11 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • Famous figures such as Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Tesla and X owner Elon Musk pop up at breakfasts, luncheons and other social gatherings held daily at the opulent Mar-a-Lago club.
    Adriana Gomez Licon and Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2024
  • In foggy weather, the figure is around 5,000, which according to Stefani, is still around ten to a hundred times higher than inside a building.
    Desireé Oostland, Vogue, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • For example, Cardi B kicked off her heels for a barefoot performance in Miami while Lucy Hale enjoyed a mini Pretty Little Liars reunion at the beach.
    Glamour, Glamour, 1 Jan. 2025
  • An anti-theft bag, for example — like this $30-off option from Travelon — has lockable zippers and a slash-resistant body.
    Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 1 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near model

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 5 Jan. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on model

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