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 Yen Press released an English translation in digital and paperback formats in 2020. Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026 In the playoff-era format, teams from this football-drunk state are 3-6 in playoff games. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Aug. 2026 Today, audience fondness for pricey premium formats like IMAX has pushed the average adult ticket price above $13, according to research firm EntTelligence. Bob Mondello, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 Price likened his attraction to the format to his early embrace of streaming entertainment back in the days when Hollywood remained skeptical of its staying power. Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 26 Aug. 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
  • If the show is now being repositioned as just for people who are fresh out of design school or who have made just one or two gowns before (like, cough, our beloved Jude), then say that.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Companies typically pass on at least some of those increases to workers, either through higher premium contributions or plan-design changes, such as larger deductibles or copays.
    Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 28 Aug. 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 was quite different when researchers looked at waist circumference.
    Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Human Rights Scores dataset has not been updated past 2021, but HRMI’s data collected since that time suggests that the pattern has continued.
    K. Chad Clay, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Format.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/format. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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