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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

One of the organization’s goals is to model the benefits of growing foods locally and naturally. — Janice Phelan, Kansas City Star, 7 Aug. 2026 One of the best ways to teach kids how to have healthy relationships is to model them, Seewald said. — Kara Alaimo, CNN Money, 4 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for model

Recent Examples of Synonyms for model

Noun

The roughly 25-acre farm is also home to a reproduction of the Salem Village Meeting House, the site of many early hearings about the Salem witchcraft hysteria.

— Nicholas DeRenzo, Travel + Leisure, 25 Aug. 2026
If a reproduction looks too shiny, Quinn suggests using a matte spray to tone down the finish.

— Angelika Pokovba, Martha Stewart, 23 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

Adjective

Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

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

Her post included a look at sketches and fabric samples on a workroom table, her veil displayed on a mannequin and a clip of the Miu Miu team doing a fitting with Blondeau.

— Erin Clack, PEOPLE, 4 Aug. 2026
Determined that Blake would never go without, Bateman quietly spent more than 200 hours practicing on a mannequin head and studying online tutorials to master hairstyles suited for her hair type.

— Kelsey Monstrola, USA Today, 28 July 2026

Definition of mannequin

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

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Synonyms of model

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Synonyms of model

noun

adjective

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing model

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

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

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

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

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Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

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