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

Undeniably, the counterintelligence model has helped the Kremlin achieve its immediate political goals. — Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 31 Aug. 2026 What began as an unexpected observation in a simple computational model had now been confirmed in a living organism. — K. R. Prathyusha, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Other model-specific details include Union Jacks embossed onto the sun visors, an Earls Court 1951 logo stitched into the headrests, and a wooden gear shifter. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 June 2026 The Society of Arts was a model third-place institution, Richmond’s own semipublic coffeehouse. — Adam Gopnik, New Yorker, 8 June 2026

Verb

Former OnlyFans model Courtney Clenney has been sentenced to 6 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the stabbing death of her boyfriend, after accepting a plea deal. — Bri Buckley, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 Faster molecular modeling today QC Ware’s Promethium platform is designed to run quantum chemistry calculations on GPUs, allowing researchers to model larger molecular systems and more compounds. — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

For scholars of that mindset, all reference to precedent—any precedent, either natural or artificial—is mediated by modern technologies of mechanical reproduction, and by an awareness of their ubiquitous sway.

— Mario Carpo, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026
Circled by a verdant reproduction of an enchanted forest, and dressed in a black swan-like two-piece by Ann Demeulemeester, Zardoya held the audience captive with her purring soprano and vampy stare.

— Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of reproduction

Noun

As a child, Madix would put on shows for her pug, Ming, and a doll of Fievel, the mouse from An American Tail.

— Anna Peele, Vanity Fair, 31 Aug. 2026
The founders of iconic brands such as Ideal, Mattel, Marx, Hasbro, Kenner, Wham-O and Madame Alexander dolls shared roots in Yiddish-speaking Europe, and childhoods as the sons and daughters of immigrants.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of doll

Verb

Accidentally tromping through his bedding area now will only make him that much harder to pattern and kill.

— Josh Honeycutt, Outdoor Life, 6 Aug. 2026
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

Definition of pattern

Noun

Johansson recounted how, during one studio session, Saab picked up a single piece of black fabric and twisted, turned, and draped it into a bustier dress right on the mannequin.

— Tina Isaac-Goizé, Vogue, 3 Sep. 2026
The need for data Inside the headquarters of UBTech Robotics, one of China’s biggest humanoid robot firms, a silver-and-black mannequin picks up a box, stomps across the floor, and mechanically places the box on a shelf.

— Ann Scott Tyson, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of mannequin

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modeled

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“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 4 Sep. 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

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