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

High-ambition leaders building a new model of development deserve a high-ambition international financial system with the capacity to enable them to get there. — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026 Courts would control suspensions The proposal would prevent the Commerce Department from independently shutting down a model. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

Adjective

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 The cabin also remains largely the same as the E-Ray’s, with only minor model-year updates. — Jerry Perez, The Drive, 3 Sep. 2026

Verb

That is why short-term-rental underwriting should model rate and occupancy together rather than treating either metric as a stand-alone indicator. — Kaitlyn Gomez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026 Parents and other adults can also model good behavior by not consuming energy drinks in front of kids. — ABC News, 3 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

Because of the aphids’ fast reproduction and ability to disperse quickly to other plants, Crumbley recommends focusing on reducing the pest’s harborage sites as opposed to introducing marigolds or other companion plants in the fall.

— Nadia Hassani, The Spruce, 16 Oct. 2026
Framed reproduction prints from it now hang throughout the house.

— Nuriyah Johar, Architectural Digest, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of reproduction

Noun

This chapter is accompanied by somewhat twee images of an owl doll, a bottle of designer perfume, a high heel, and a golden microphone positioned against various ancient Greek ruins, including the Parthenon and the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes.

— Stephanie Wambugu, Vulture, 12 Oct. 2026
The film has since been turned into a theme park, dolls, T-shirts, video games, and more.

— Orianna Rosa Royle, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of doll

Noun

Giving Americans $1,000 or $5,000 invested in a technology index is a straightforward idea; The source and use of the funds will likely be of great debate.

— Sarah Cannon, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2026
Both examples demonstrate how local champions and an existing source of funding can help turn a lifesaving idea into reality.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026

Definition of idea

Adjective

Ahead of rocking the Pond with its classic hits, the famed norteño band brought its signature sound and activism to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.

— Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
No list of books about Renaissance Venice (and its relations with Jews) would be complete without Brian Pullan’s classic study.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 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

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
Launched earlier this year by Stanford engineering graduate and former venture capitalist Madilyn Ontiveros Plumlee, Vero Studio specializes in the niche art form of bridal miniatures.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026

Definition of miniature

Noun

But the mannequin sporting a naval-grazing Christopher Esber gown begs to differ.

— Ari Stark, Footwear News, 5 Oct. 2026
Ryan Lawlor, who came up with the idea for the town’s Halloween scarecrow contest, got the mannequin heads, then searched for the right pair of glass frames and found them in a Dollar Store.

— Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of mannequin

Noun

Both examples demonstrate how local champions and an existing source of funding can help turn a lifesaving idea into reality.

— Meng Yang, Time, 18 Oct. 2026
As usual, most of the homes are located in North America, but our roundup also includes examples from Europe and Australia.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of example

Browse Nearby Words

mode

model

modeled

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“Model.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/model. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of model

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Synonyms of model

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adjective

verb

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Phrases Containing model

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