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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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
One is the shift toward performance marketing models prioritizing instant feedback loops over long-term brand equity. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 3 June 2025 Both the Milky Way and the Andromeda galaxies (M31) are part of what's known as the Local Group (LG), which also hosts other smaller galaxies (some not yet discovered) as well as dark matter (per the prevailing standard cosmological model). —Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 3 June 2025
Adjective
In October, Los Angeles County’s top prosecutor said the brothers had been model prisoners and recommended that they be resentenced to 50 years to life in prison. —Tim Stelloh, NBC News, 9 Nov. 2024 According to online reports, the buyers are model Olivia Culpo and her San Francisco 49ers husband Christian McCaffrey, who picked up the nearly 3.2-acre spread for $14.5 million. —Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 30 Sep. 2024
Verb
Most recently, the brand revived its Johnny Cash collection with a pair of rectangular frames modeled after those worn by the musician during his infamous arrest in 1965. —Eric Twardzik, Robb Report, 2 June 2025 Some wanted to model their bitcoin mining equipment, or modular trailers for housing servers. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 2 June 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
  • This behavior increases their chance of survival and reproduction.
    — Harry Bernheim, The Conversation, 23 May 2025
  • Pesticides, even in small amounts, can impact bees’ immune system, navigation, memory and other functions that are critical to their survival and reproduction, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has a Chicago office and has worked to protect the environment since 1970.
    — Charles Selle, Chicago Tribune, 19 May 2025
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • From all directions, rows of metal shelves housing furniture, artworks, mannequins and more stretch outwards.
    — Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 28 May 2025
  • Explore the rise of Mod fashion in this stylish exhibition featuring over 35 mannequins dressed in sharp suits, bold prints, and vintage accessories.
    — Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
Definition of mannequin
Noun
  • But, these beverages aren't always a good idea—here's what to consider before you order.
    — Alice Oglethorpe, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 June 2025
  • Sarah, 28, started searching online for low-key reveal ideas.
    — Jordan Greene, People.com, 4 June 2025
Definition of idea
Adjective
  • This is a classic explanation for why coal mining pays a premium.
    — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025
  • The 1948 Ferrari Spyder Corsa had competed in the classic Mille Miglia and Targa Florio road races in period, and had remained in the same family since new until being sold at the auction, which was part of the Concorso d’Eleganza at Hotel Villa d’Este.
    — Michael Taylor, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of classic
Verb
  • Some of their latest stylish items include colorful bikinis, cut-out one pieces and patterned pieces that call to mind a beach paradise.
    — Nadja Sayej, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025
  • Alec wore a dark suit, a button-down, and patterned grey and black tie.
    — Dayna Haffenden, People.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • The climax of this biopic in miniature, of course, is the crash, which, like Sully, dramatizes the cockpit transcript from the real-life event with word-for-word detail.
    — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 5 May 2025
  • In addition, fans are excited to pick up official miniatures to paint and portray desperate battles between humans and Xenomorphs on the table top.
    — Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of miniature
Noun
  • If that figure is the total before tax rebates and production incentives, the net budget could indeed be substantially lower.
    — Pamela McClintock, HollywoodReporter, 5 June 2025
  • That figure might overstate the program’s effectiveness—arrivals from many other countries went down in that same time frame.
    — Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 5 June 2025
Definition of figure
Noun
  • For example, the family of Martin Gutierrez, whose body was found in the lake in 2018, before the media frenzy around Lady Bird Lake, believe he was drugged while on a night out.
    — Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 June 2025
  • Or why, for example, would Wayne Rooney, his former Old Trafford colleague, sign him twice for both Derby County and DC United?
    — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 6 June 2025
Definition of example

Phrases Containing model

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mode
model
modeled
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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of model for Spanish Speakers

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