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

According to his models, under any plausible emissions scenario, Barnes will disappear within a few centuries. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 24 Oct. 2026 Nvidia graphics processing units are critical for training and deploying AI models. — Kif Leswing,isabel O'Brien, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2026

Adjective

The black dotted forecast line shows the multi-model median whereas the surrounding range shows the 25th–75th percentiles. — Deena Zaidi, CNBC, 6 Sep. 2026 Because solutions are designed with model-agnostic architecture, organizations can adopt future AI innovations without rebuilding their underlying systems. — Lyssanoel Frater, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

So, to ensure optimum conditions for the chickens, the team employed computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software to model how warm air moved through the building. — Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 Your granddaughter needs to learn how to advocate on her own behalf, and for now that’s probably best done by watching her parents model that behavior for her. — Philip Galanes, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

This body of research forms some of the latticework of a social-reproduction theory of education, in which public schools are largely perceived as reflecting and reinforcing the socioeconomic structures of their surrounding community.

— Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 22 Oct. 2026
Bell replied in his usual jovial manner, agreeing to the reproduction of his photo in the forthcoming article.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026

Definition of reproduction

Noun

Our research and engineering remain world-class, but our record of getting ideas to market and improving how products are made has been less stellar.

— Rick Lazio, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
It has also been designed as a neighborhood gathering space, with Apartment at 365, the physical space representing the Happier pillar of discovery, idea exchange, community, creativity and collaboration.

— Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of idea

Adjective

The collection follows a very classic autumnal color palette, with speckles of burgundy, brown, khaki, and deep greens.

— Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of classic

Verb

Meanwhile, leaflets ordering evacuations pattern the sky like a damned murmuration, and nighttime artillery fire paints striations like inverted fireworks.

— Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026
Researchers deposit and pattern optical waveguides, which act as tiny pathways for light, on a silicon substrate.

— Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of pattern

Noun

For Reed, 17 boards were not enough for that miniature Dan Hurley sitting on his shoulder.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Access to materials such as Tough 1500 V2 already expands its usefulness beyond miniatures and decorative prints, opening up functional projects without requiring a professional system.

— Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of miniature

Noun

Alongside it was Anna Uddenberg’s 2026 sculpture White Noise (Soft Skills), featuring a life-size, faceless mannequin whose body is contorted by a futuristic interpretation of ergonomic office-style furniture contraptions.

— Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 20 Oct. 2026
The driver's seat was occupied by a mannequin clad in a black-and-white SpaceX spacesuit.

— Mike Wall, Space.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of mannequin

Noun

The world’s highest-profile tech billionaires offer the most conspicuous examples.

— Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 24 Oct. 2026
One particularly promising example is an MRI technique that identifies the central vein sign, a feature that can help physicians distinguish lesions associated with MS from abnormalities caused by other conditions.

— Bruce Bebo, STAT, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of example

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model

modeled

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“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of model

noun

adjective

verb

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Phrases Containing model

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