model 1 of 3

model

2 of 3

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

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
And the company’s flagship model has been one of the best selling six-strings on the market since its debut. Ron Hart, SPIN, 29 Nov. 2024 My Biggest Pain Points Gen 4 ring sizing: The ring sizing differs from the 3 and 4 models. Amy Fischer Ms, Rd, Health, 29 Nov. 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
The first woman was offered a free tattoo in exchange for modeling art work, police said. Antonio Planas, NBC News, 26 Nov. 2024 Social media is a popular place not only to discuss red flags and green flags, but to model them, too. Ella Cerón, Parents, 25 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for model 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • The Best-of-Show winner at Santa Fe was a reproduction of a weapon set carefully crafted with natural materials like knapped flint, turkey feathers, yucca cord and juniper branches commemorating the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 by Acoma Pueblo artist Dan Vallo.
    Debra Utacia Krol, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
  • The replica is smaller — 64 seats compared to the original’s nearly 400 — and features reproductions of the columns, window treatments, wallpaper, carpet and chandeliers from the original Tea Room.
    Cheryl V. Jackson, The Indianapolis Star, 20 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The lungs of the people there exploded from the air pressure when the bombs hit; many of them are intact, but look like mannequins.
    Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024
  • The episode hinges on Novak’s ability to sell Nandor’s transformation from seemingly addled while lecturing a warehouse full of mannequins, to roguishly determined when commanding his followers to set Dartmouth University on fire.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • The former calls for a counterfactual view of how testing works; the latter calls for political will and policy ideas not currently in evidence.
    Peter Greene, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024
  • This is the same guy who wanted to close UCF and proposed other radical ideas like appointing himself as president of Florida Atlantic University.
    Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 30 Nov. 2024
Adjective
  • Burger King is offering their classic Whopper sandwich for just $1 starting today.
    Alex Perry, The Enquirer, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Their classic Chevys, Oldsmobiles and Fords shined.
    Emiliano Tahui Gómez, Austin American-Statesman, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The odds are that while scanning the Internet for content to pattern match on, invariably content associated with the popular topic would have been encountered.
    Lance Eliot, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024
  • The decor is always layered with varying textures and patterned accessories to add visual interest to the room.
    Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Vitrines depict Christian Dior’s childhood in Granville, the revolutionary Bar jacket that comprised half of the New Look, and the exceptional atmosphere of couture salons and fashion shows, all in gobsmacking miniature.
    Miles Socha, WWD, 19 Nov. 2024
  • The company has a bountiful portfolio of Mythos themed games including the third edition of Arkham Horror, the miniatures board game Mansions of Madness, a=and the hidden traitor game Unfathomable.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024
Noun
  • Given that The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is based on a series of children’s books written by devout Anglican C. S. Lewis, James Cosmo’s Father Christmas is unsurprisingly the Santa figure on this list who retains the most Christian aura.
    Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024
  • Musk has been a vocal supporter of President-elect Donald Trump, and allowed the reinstatement of the accounts of highly controversial right-wing figures.
    Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024
Noun
  • For example, a traditional leather bracelet from Italian luxury jewelry brand Marco Dal Maso is in the 1,100-euro range, and British bag brand Stow’s totes are priced at around 300 euros.
    Rhonda Richford, WWD, 20 Nov. 2024
  • For example, he is expected to ease some of the environmental regulations that have pressured the Detroit Three to make a fast push toward EV adoption.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press, 20 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near model

Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on model

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!