model 1 of 3

noun

ˈmä-dᵊl 
Definition of model
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in doll
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in idea
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation she's the very model of the dedicated teacher

Synonyms & Similar Words

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
OpenAI also says Temporary Chats do not appear in your history or train its models. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 The initiative is built on the Ford Next Generation national model of organizing schools into career academies that link core academics to the college and job interests of students. — Brett Barrouquere, Arkansas Online, 24 Aug. 2026
Adjective
Other model-specific details include Union Jacks embossed onto the sun visors, an Earls Court 1951 logo stitched into the headrests, and a wooden gear shifter. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 The Society of Arts was a model third-place institution, Richmond’s own semipublic coffeehouse. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026
Verb
One of the organization’s goals is to model the benefits of growing foods locally and naturally. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 One of the best ways to teach kids how to have healthy relationships is to model them, Seewald said. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model
Recent Examples of Synonyms for model
  1. reproduction
  2. doll
  3. idea
  4. classic
  5. pattern
  6. miniature
  7. mannequin
  8. example
Noun
  • The roughly 25-acre farm is also home to a reproduction of the Salem Village Meeting House, the site of many early hearings about the Salem witchcraft hysteria.
    — Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
  • If a reproduction looks too shiny, Quinn suggests using a matte spray to tone down the finish.
    — Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • The only other guests were our daughter’s dolls and stuffed animals.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The suspect’s mask was similar to the Chucky doll from the Child’s Play horror movies, the Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) said in a statement.
    — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of doll
Noun
  • Those ideas say some people are superior to others, and the inequality that exists in the world around us reflects those innate differences, and inequality is a good thing, and a necessary thing, and the only real way to organize social life.
    — John Blake, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • Instead of gathering a group to generate ideas aloud, where the first strong opinion tends to anchor everyone else's thinking, brainwriting has each person privately jot down ideas before the group reconvenes to build on them.
    — Rodger Dean Duncan, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of idea
Adjective
  • Vintage Modern builds custom cars by hand at its Buford facility, using classic designs as the inspiration while incorporating modern engineering and amenities.
    — Alexa Liacko, CBS News, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The Grand Suite shares all the design features and elegance of the classic rooms, and more.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of classic
Verb
  • Accidentally tromping through his bedding area now will only make him that much harder to pattern and kill.
    — Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Many of the injuries displayed rectangular, band-like and patterned characteristics consistent with impact from a belt-like object, Detective Balders wrote.
    — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 June 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • The miniature shows the ride snaking around the Disneyland Monorail, and reveals a landscape that will fully transform the look and tone of California Adventure.
    — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Each discharge, heard faintly at the surface, is like a miniature, subterranean lightning strike.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of miniature
Noun
  • Her post included a look at sketches and fabric samples on a workroom table, her veil displayed on a mannequin and a clip of the Miu Miu team doing a fitting with Blondeau.
    — Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Determined that Blake would never go without, Bateman quietly spent more than 200 hours practicing on a mannequin head and studying online tutorials to master hairstyles suited for her hair type.
    — Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 28 July 2026
Definition of mannequin
Noun
  • That’s made the industry one of the most visible examples of how China’s breakneck AI transformation is impacting people’s livelihoods — wiping out jobs and creating new ones, leaving everyone unsure what’s next.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 22 Aug. 2026
  • As an example of the ceiling and command issues at odds with each other so far, Schoolcraft struck out a career-high nine batters in 3⅔ innings in a loss on May 29 and walked as many as six in four innings of a no-decision on July 31.
    — Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Aug. 2026
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 28 Aug. 2026.

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