model 1 of 3

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

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
This allowed the scientists to model the life cycle of such a collection of stars from a gas-rich, dense infancy through gradual expansion and gradual gas and star loss over the course of 800 million years. Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 July 2025 These elements often drive health care providers to provide care autocratically without patient engagement and modeling the top-down decision-making style now seen in our government. Dr. Howard A. Selinger, Hartford Courant, 20 July 2025
Adjective
In this new phase, Royo will focus on optimizing costs, making assets profitable and revitalizing its business model through innovation, sustainability and diversification into new markets, such as technical fabrics. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 21 July 2025 As for the model’s market value, a 1955 Ferrari 250 Europa GT sold for $1.765 million through the Gooding Christie’s Amelia Island Auctions in March. Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 21 July 2025
Verb
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 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
Noun
  • An unconventional approach to reproduction is reportedly reducing the risk of metabolic disease.
    Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 25 July 2025
  • Faced with the choice between reproduction and self-preservation… the females appear to be choosing the latter.
    Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • Even the mannequins showing off clothes to buy were absent.
    Norma Galeana, CNN Money, 4 July 2025
  • The goal of the show was to blow up 500 pounds of ammonium nitrate to knock the socks off a mannequin positioned near the explosion.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 4 July 2025
Noun
  • What does the heat index chart look like? To get an idea of how air temperatures and humidity levels produce apparent temperatures, here is the NWS' heat index chart.
    Sarah Moore, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • Notable Music speakers: Wyclef Jean, Wynonna Judd, 2016: President Barack Obama discusses civic engagement, while first lady Michelle Obama's talks about her Let Girls Learn initiative and using music to promote ideas.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 23 July 2025
Adjective
  • The food Bradenton is most famous for combines classic Florida fare with Caribbean influence.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 26 July 2025
  • The original 1944 Mai Tai is just rum, lime, orange liqueur and almond—tart and bracing, and among the strongest of the classic cocktails.
    Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • Implement resilience patterns using Resilience4j and Istio and ensure retry logic has limits.
    Raju Dandigam, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
  • The color palette is bold, the marble is patterned, and the restaurant is located on the roof for panoramic views of the island.
    Monica Mendal, Vogue, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Sunscreen is another item that makes sense to buy in miniature.
    Amy Panos, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 June 2025
  • Or an assortment of your favorite Disney characters, rendered in miniature, adorning the Adilette Clog 2.0?
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • The 2025 figure is a 7% increase from last year and the highest tally since 2021, when Indianapolis reported a 15-year high of 1,928 people experiencing homelessness.
    Jordan Smith, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • More importantly, the widespread imposition of tariffs and the consequent price rise are likely to drive inflation figures higher in the months ahead.
    Prasanna Kumar, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025
Noun
  • For example, fructose (fruit sugar) is converted to glucose in the liver, and so is galactose (a component of milk sugar).
    Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 25 July 2025
  • For example, the Bay View Neighborhood Association supports residents through advocacy and community improvements.
    Quinn Clark, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

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