model 1 of 3

noun

ˈmä-dᵊl How to pronounce model (audio)
Definition of modelnext
1
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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2
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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3
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

model

3 of 3

verb

as in to pattern

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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
In a Vogue cover story published Tuesday (March 11), the model got candid about her co-parenting relationship with the former One Direction star. —Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025 By our math, that's about 70% of all Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning customers, based on sales data for both models, which showed a little over 200,000 EVs sold between their launch and August 2024. —Emily Forlini, PCMAG, 11 Mar. 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
Last fall, Rodriguez posed for Guess’ holiday campaign, modeling clothing and accessories from the brand’s festive collection. —Hannah Malach, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025 They are also designed as a form of soft diplomacy, by modeling independent journalism that incorporates dissent from government policy. —David Folkenflik, NPR, 10 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
  1. reproduction
  2. mannequin
  3. idea
  4. classic
  5. pattern
  6. miniature
  7. figure
  8. example
Noun
  • While this research is an important first step, future research will need to expand these datasets, use satellite tracking to follow potential neonate movement, and explore whether other environmental factors, such as deep-sea features or seasonal cycles, play a role in whale shark reproduction.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025
  • The exhibition at the Little Haiti Cultural Complex through Saturday, April 19, features reproductions rather than original artworks.
    — Jonel Juste, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • Along cobblestone streets, mannequins in windows are decked out in ski goggles and fur.
    — Anna Fiorentino, AFAR Media, 12 Mar. 2025
  • During his more than 40 years as a working artist in many disciplines, Ruben Toledo has designed advertising and marketing campaigns, mannequins, store windows, theater sets, costumes, award statuettes, wallpaper, textiles, scarves, fabrics, dishes, furniture and carpets.
    — Lisa Lockwood, WWD, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of mannequin
Noun
  • Then Sterling did some less effective things and got suspended anyway, so that mad idea was, at least, parked for the time being.
    — Amy Lawrence, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
  • This means that if Treasury would simply revalue its gold at prices closer to today’s price of about $2900 per ounce, Tariff or Tax Revenues Collected in Bitcoin A more experimental idea involves collecting certain taxes, fees, or tariffs in bitcoin.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of idea
Adjective
  • The base of Kylie Jenner's French nails are reminiscent of the popular soap nail trend but with that classic French nail art tip.
    — Lena Raab, Glamour, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Amazon has a classic version of the neck pillow that simply wraps around your neck and provides a cushion.
    — Christopher Murray, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of classic
Verb
  • Presidential aspirations Over the next few years, Jackson took on ever more high-profile organizing, patterned after the life and work of King – another Southerner.
    — Christopher A. Cooper, The Conversation, 12 Mar. 2025
  • What doesn’t: Distressed, patterned, or overly trendy types of jeans that compete for attention.
    — Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • But the prehistoric feline’s size would have been akin to—or even smaller than—these modern miniatures.
    — Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Jan. 2025
  • No pieces of Pride Rock, no fiberglass miniature of a canyon.
    — Matt Zoller Seitz, Vulture, 5 Dec. 2024
Definition of miniature
Noun
  • That figure doesn't include student fees that go to athletics, which totaled more than $8 million last year.
    — Zachery Eanes, Axios, 13 Mar. 2025
  • That figure is lower than Immigration and Customs Enforcement's 137 deportation flights in February 2024.
    — Ronny Rojas, NBC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of figure
Noun
  • For example, Zhou Guanyu's crash in Silverstone in 2023 could have done a lot more damage if there wasn't a catch fence there to stop the car.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Eating a healthy diet rich in antioxidants, for example, can protect the skin from environmental aggressors.
    — Audrey Noble, Vogue, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of example

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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