format

noun

ˈfȯr-ˌmat How to pronounce format (audio)
Definition of formatnext
1
as in layout
the way in which something is sized, arranged, or organized the book's format is very user-friendly

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in design
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged this abstract painter bases the format of his works on color and its subtle gradations and not line or form

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 format Having effectively launched the four-team CFP format in 2014, ESPN has maintained its status as the exclusive rights holder ever since. — Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 15 Oct. 2026 Each version features the cast of autistic and neurodivergent interviewers audiences, who collectively quiz celebrities in an ask-anything interview format. — Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026 Instagram is filled with videos like this, often inexplicably following very specific formats. — Mia Sato, The Verge, 15 Oct. 2026 OpenTable’s 2026 Dining Trends Highlights interest in happy-hour dining and experiential formats, offering options for diners who want a memorable experience without a hefty bill. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
  1. layout
  2. design
  3. formation
  4. composition
  5. pattern
  6. theme
Noun
  • According to the layout document, Russian delegates were seated between attendees from South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.
    — Anniek Bao, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
  • To accommodate the growth, the fair will also revise its layout.
    — Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of layout
Noun
  • Such designs can help militaries integrate new equipment without rebuilding their entire communications infrastructure around a single platform.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The handbag would go on to become one of Fendi’s most celebrated designs.
    — Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of design
Noun
  • The program also aims to make the systems easier for soldiers to operate, potentially allowing units outside traditional air defence formations to employ laser weapons against incoming drones.
    — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026
  • These changes would reduce costs, free up management bandwidth and improve IPO formation incentives.
    — Jeff Jacobs, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of formation
Noun
  • Water conditions, food sources and even the composition of the seafloor can influence their flavor and appearance.
    — Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Instead, Hugo says the case encompasses a much broader body of work stemming from compositions the two created during nearly 50 studio sessions between 2019 and 2021.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of composition
Noun
  • The new plans also include more changes to the project's lighting and traffic patterns.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The event also includes homemade cookies, beverages and a commemorative teacup and saucer or a mug with a collectable china pattern.
    — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of pattern
Noun
  • For the third straight year, BNY found that AI ranked as the most compelling investment theme for the next five years, cited by 68% of respondents.
    — Molly A. Wallace, Fortune, 16 Oct. 2026
  • Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images Affordability is a major theme of the upcoming midterm elections — one that could have implications for how people vote in November.
    — Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of theme

Browse Nearby Words

formals
format
formation
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of fervid

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

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

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

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

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?
See More

Popular

See More

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
artwork of illustrated limes with the text limes and smile with an arrow connecting the two words
Quiz: Spot the Anagram! Scramble these words to find new words with the e...
See All