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
When compared to the non-pro models of both devices released last year, the pro versions offer upgrades to the battery, processor, connectivity, and display. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 14 Apr. 2025 The digital model appears to bear that out, with a porthole showing damage consistent with such a hit. —Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 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
According to reporting from 9To5Mac, Apple has started modeling out different tariff scenarios and even chartered at least five planes in late March to stockpile products before tariffs took effect. —Lisa Setyon,katie Tarasov, CNBC, 11 Apr. 2025 Supervisors from the teams will be called to regular Q Stat meetings modeled after CompStat, the department’s method of tracking crimes in real time, allocating resources to prevent more crime and holding commanders accountable for their strategies. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 10 Apr. 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
  • Ryan pointed to a Model T 100, a reproduction done of the Ford Model T done in 2003 for the 100th anniversary of the company.
    — Jamie L. LaReau, USA Today, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Second, how do social groups affect individual survival and reproduction – in other words, what group traits are under selection?
    — Conner Philson, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
Definition of reproduction
Noun
  • Rolls of satin were stacked under a worktable; a mannequin in a strapless gown made of Chantilly lace stood near an armoire.
    — Adam Iscoe, New Yorker, 31 Mar. 2025
  • Pedestrians walk past a Nike store featuring a modern design and mannequins displaying winter apparel on December 5, 2024, in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
    — Gabrielle Fonrouge, CNBC, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of mannequin
Noun
  • Deporting supposed gang members and Hamas supporters without due process may violate any number of statutes, but forcing oppositionists to defend these people’s rights allows the administration to paint them as defending their ideas.
    — Garry Kasparov, The Atlantic, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The basic idea is to start with something large and compact it down for easy transport.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
Definition of idea
Adjective
  • Ten looks from her archives will close out the show with a focus on classic glamour.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
  • When the restaurant originally opened, the menu was largely classic Bordeaux-style food.
    — Valentina Di Donato, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of classic
Verb
  • Being Mindful About Logical Reasoning An intriguing question is how many examples or instances are needed for generative AI to suitably pattern the underlying logical reasoning from those instances.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Williams added a pretty pastel bathroom, perfect for a midday sob, printed on a T-shirt and floral patterned Korean toilet paper inspired miniskirts and cool slouchy dresses.
    — Violet Goldstone, Footwear News, 28 Mar. 2025
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • That’s an eight-example unicorn in reality, though now reborn in miniature, and in greater numbers.
    — Nik Miles, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
  • Her feed deploys the tropes and techniques of various TV and social-media genres in miniature.
    — James Poniewozik, New York Times, 5 Apr. 2025
Definition of miniature
Noun
  • She’s proved to be a compelling — if divisive — figure, and will certainly continue to have her champions.
    — Kate Aurthur, Variety, 7 Apr. 2025
  • The full figures for 2023-24 were released on Saturday morning and confirm that Chelsea valued their women’s team at £200million ($258m) when selling it to Blueco 22 Midco Limited — a company within the club’s broader legal structure.
    — Dan Sheldon, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025
Definition of figure
Noun
  • For example, in the old format, Duncanville might’ve faced Denton Guyer during its playoff run despite having more than 2,000 students.
    — Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Mar. 2025
  • From 2002 to 2017, for example, due to global warming, ice sheet losses accounted for roughly a third of mean sea level rise.
    — Doyle Rice, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 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 21 Apr. 2025.

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