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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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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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
  • That means these sharks may be investing less energy in reproduction, potentially leading to fewer successful pregnancies.
    — Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025
  • But the science of menopause is considerably more recent, dating to the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, when physicians in Europe began to research the effects of chemicals secreted by the body which control reproduction.
    — Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 3 Mar. 2025
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • The institute had previously rated two of the models for nighttime crash prevention using pedestrian mannequins that wore dark clothing.
    — Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 9 Jan. 2025
  • Between the lines: O'Connell is known for whimsy — cue his pandemic-era dining mannequins or ballet classes for staff coordination.
    — Anna Spiegel, Axios, 19 Dec. 2024
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
  • Loose Fit Heavyweight Short-Sleeve Pocket T-Shirt A classic short-sleeve T-shirt is a wardrobe essential that can be layered under a crewneck sweater or zip-up sweatshirt just as easily as it can be worn solo with jeans or leggings.
    — Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 4 Mar. 2025
  • After an exciting night at the 97th Academy Awards on Sunday, March 2, the Wicked star opted for a late-night indulgence in an eccentric black dress, heading to Raising Cane's for some classic comfort food, as seen in a photo that was shared to the famous chain's Instagram.
    — Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of classic
Verb
  • Similarly, a brightly colored or boldly patterned style can set the tone for a new decorative scheme.
    — Clint Davis, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Woodson said he’s patterned his game after former Cal teammate Cam Bynum, a 2021 fourth-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings.
    — Cam Inman, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • The semiconductor business is partly a race to the most miniature.
    — Kerry Brown, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025
  • Two other donkeys remain at Barron Park's donkey pasture, a 16-year-old white miniature named April and a 25-year-old brown Jerusalem miniature named Buddy.
    — Greta Cross, USA TODAY, 6 Jan. 2025
Definition of miniature
Noun
  • Although the accuracy of Russian polling may be questionable, the most recent polls there give Putin a figure of 87 percent and close to an all-time high.
    — Dan Perry, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Key figures on the Primary Wave end of the deal include founder Larry Mestel and partner Steve Greener, whose bona fides include having managed Bernie Mac and Fantasia, and securing the Vandross deal.
    — Shirley Halperin for The Hollywood Reporter, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025
Definition of figure
Noun
  • For example, episode six looks at Gary Woodland’s remarkable return to the sport after undergoing brain surgery in 2023.
    — Ben Church, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025
  • For example, Resilience — which is not flying a CLPS mission but will collect moon dirt under a separate NASA contract — is scheduled to make its landing try in late May or early June.
    — Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of example

Phrases Containing model

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 15 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of model for Spanish Speakers

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