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

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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

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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 Its contemporary format impresses, firstly, as an altar to capital. Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026 The company has been set up to operate as a podcast business for creators, developing and producing formats and helping established shows lands on new platforms. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 2 Sep. 2026 The percentages run from 40 to 56, against the 15 to 20 percent that long defined the format. Ritu Upadhyay, Footwear News, 2 Sep. 2026 Ticketed events give small businesses a flexible format for offering craft workshops. Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 2 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • The curriculum prepares students for future education and careers in creative industries, requiring them to analyze, design and render complex graphics, package design, typography, layouts, corporate brand identities and web interfaces.
    Cam'ron Hardy, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Once the design of the new layout is complete, a spokesperson for the transportation department said, crews will begin taking out the current striping before laying out the new lane configurations.
    Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The contestants will have to design a wedding dress that showcases their style, and the winning design will be produced and sold by David’s Bridal.
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The researchers say a phase-change heatsink can reduce size and weight by more than 50 percent while maintaining the thermal capacity of a conventional design.
    Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But dendrite formation has remained a major obstacle to achieving those benefits in practical cells.
    Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 28 Aug. 2026
  • That led to formation of the Manchester Historical Society and a concerted campaign to salvage history in town.
    Don Stacom, Hartford Courant, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Her work combines documentary observation with staged composition to explore female perspectives, Berlins subcultures, and everyday intimacy.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2026
  • This represents the dynamics of Nigeria’s religious composition in one of the few places in the world where the population is almost evenly split between Christians, who live predominantly in the south, and Muslims, mostly in the north.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The pattern should begin to break later in the week as a cold front moves through, bringing lower temperatures and humidity for Labor Day weekend.
    Mike Stunson, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
  • The supply shortage for memory and components shows few signs of abating, signaling that gadgets may be more expensive going forward, permanently changing demand patterns and competition.
    Kif Leswing, CNBC, 1 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Here’s a look at the most important details and themes from the cutdown to 53.
    Paul Dehner Jr, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026
  • This seamless blend of Lego bricks and themes is just perfect, without making a mockery of the wider idea.
    Matt Gardner, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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