MODEL Synonyms: 216 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

model 1 of 3

noun

ˈmä-dᵊl

Definition of model

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

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

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?

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

model

3 of 3

verb

as in to pattern

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

misadjust

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

Through a collaboration with the Arizona Alzheimer’s Consortium, our project, the Northern Arizona Memory Study, aims to use Arizona as a model for improving access to brain health resources for rural communities across the United States. — Eric Cerino, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026 Building trust To unlock AI’s full value, the industry will need secure, affordable environments in which organizations can train and deploy models without losing control of information. — Martin Halliwell, Space.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Adjective

While the concept of a model-musician matchup is nothing new, Christie Brinkley and Billy Joel were the blueprint for a covergirl/rockstar pairing in the 1980s. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 21 May 2026 Ackman sees that restructuring as a pivot to a multi-model architecture that can better suit the needs of its enterprise customers. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 15 May 2026

Verb

Modeling manufacturing needs The researchers set out to model how the supply of recycled materials compares to manufacturing demand in China between 2010 and 2050. — Scott K. Johnson, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2026 OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney has reached a plea agreement in the second-degree murder case stemming from the fatal stabbing of her boyfriend, Christian Obumseli, her attorneys confirmed to Fox News Digital. — Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

Compounding the threat is the fact that the ships became stalled at the start of spring, a season of growth and reproduction as waters warm.

— Christopher Cann, USA Today, 2 Aug. 2026
This ensures the side-wall projection matches the visual performance of the main screen, delivering native 4K resolution, DCI-P3 color reproduction, and uniform brightness across all three surfaces.

— Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

Definition of reproduction

Noun

Now, she's been immortalized with a Barbie doll and the pink energy of girlhood is headed for State Farm Arena.

— Irene Wright, USA Today, 3 Aug. 2026
Wear pink and scoop up some limited edition merch, but no word if Angel Reese’s new doll will be on the shelves (can confirm, however, that Reese spent part of her weekend giving back).

— Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Adjective

The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
So think about that classic goopy white sunscreen from every beach movie in the ’80s.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

Verb

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
Today, though, a growing number of online fabric retailers have made sourcing the right print or pattern a cinch.

— Alyssa Longobucco, Architectural Digest, 19 June 2026

Definition of pattern

Noun

Devised by Mattel as the first trackable toy car in 1968, these cool miniatures have become one of the most popular toys of all time.

— BestReviews, Mercury News, 31 July 2026
Berk questioned why two chainsaws found in the garage and a third miniature saw discovered inside the house were not collected into evidence after initial chemical swabs tested negative for blood.

— Claudia Rosenbaum, Vulture, 28 July 2026

Definition of miniature

Noun

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
Because the statute turns partly on intent and knowledge, briefs and prompts specifying a mannequin, cartoon, or abstract avatar document that an asset was never meant to read as a human performer.

— Gabriel Alin Zainescu, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026

Definition of mannequin

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“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of model

noun

adjective

verb

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Phrases Containing model

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Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on model

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nurture

Popular in Grammar & Usage

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

'Sneaked' or 'Snuck': Which is correct?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Aug. 7

How long is a jiffy?

Popular

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

The Longest Long Words List

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

Games & Quizzes