1
as in shape
the outward appearance of something as distinguished from its substance
the wood-carver carved the block of wood into the form of a duck
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
3
as in manner
personal conduct or behavior as evaluated by an accepted standard of appropriateness for a social or professional setting
it's bad form to throw a tantrum on the court just because you lost a tennis match
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in condition
a state of being or fitness
after a long season off, the football team is back in good form
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
6
as in ritual
an oft-repeated action or series of actions performed in accordance with tradition or a set of rules
we'll use the second form in our church missals for today's Lenten service
Synonyms & Similar Words
7
as in etiquette
socially acceptable behavior
displayed good form throughout the formal dinner
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in method
the means or procedure for doing something
there are established forms for voting on motions and amendments at meetings
Synonyms & Similar Words
9
10
as in format
the way in which the elements of something (as a work of art) are arranged
museumgoers liked the asymmetrical form of the mobile
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to crystallize
to take on a definite form
my ideas on the subject are just starting to form
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to comprise
to be all the substance of
this one sentence really forms the basis of your argument
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in to produce
to bring into being by combining, shaping, or transforming materials
formed the pot out of the clay
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to start
to come into existence
the new company formed from two smaller ones
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to develop
to come to have gradually
I don't want you beginning skiers to form any bad habits
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 form
Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
In rendering the opinion of the court, there will be some departure in form, though not in substance, from the points stated in that argument.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Thomas Smith, Billboard, 30 July 2025
It was formed after glacial ice dammed the Wisconsin River, and was nearly 72 miles long at its largest.
—Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for form
Noun
This seems to be a more athletic extension of the penchant for all things metallic witnessed on red carpets as of late, taking the form of sleek slingback heels and height-happy platform pumps.
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 29 July 2025
In rendering the opinion of the court, there will be some departure in form, though not in substance, from the points stated in that argument.
—Liz Tracey, JSTOR Daily, 29 July 2025
Verb
Osbourne was raised in the Aston area of the city and the metal icons — made up of guitarist Tony Iommi, bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward — formed in Birmingham in 1968.
—Thomas Smith, Billboard, 30 July 2025
It was formed after glacial ice dammed the Wisconsin River, and was nearly 72 miles long at its largest.
—Sofia Joseph, jsonline.com, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for form
Recent Examples of Synonyms for form
Noun
-
Because the shape was incomplete, the alert was sent out to all of Warren County, and some of Montgomery County, Centerville and Middletown.—
The Enquirer,
The Enquirer,
30 July 2025
-
Ortiz, whose ban was announced on July 3 and later extended through the end of next month, has been keeping in pitching shape at an independent training facility in town.—
Dan Schlossberg,
Forbes.com,
29 July 2025
Noun
-
The center, which will be able to serve as an emergency shelter for up to 32 individuals, will be equipped with bathrooms, showers, a laundry facility, a commercial kitchen and dining space, staff and medical offices and training space, according to board documents.—
Joseph Flaherty,
Arkansas Online,
30 July 2025
-
The fences will be used on East Sixth Street Corridor as well as for Austin Water and Austin Energy emergencies and some other city public events, according to city documents.—
Ella McCarthy,
Austin American Statesman,
30 July 2025
Noun
-
Tether, the other juggernaut of the crypto-native stablecoin world, has been diversifying investments and operations in a significant manner.—
Sean Stein Smith,
Forbes.com,
25 July 2025
-
Southerners are notorious for being bad at saying goodbye, thanks to our dedication to manners.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
25 July 2025
Noun
-
Farrer acknowledged challenging economic conditions and trade uncertainties but expressed confidence in the company's long-term success.—
Olivia Evans,
The Courier-Journal,
25 July 2025
-
For viewing in daylight conditions, look for projectors with high lumens and consider shading your area with a canopy or umbrella to minimize the sunlight.—
Taylor Fox,
Travel + Leisure,
24 July 2025
Noun
-
Surrounded by photography books, four American Girl dolls regarded us from an alcove.—
Joshua Rothman,
New Yorker,
14 July 2025
-
This time, however, the doll is unnesting nearly three years after launch.—
Robert Pearlman,
ArsTechnica,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
By making this a daily ritual for babies, parents can reap the benefits as well.—
Michelle Stansbury,
Forbes.com,
22 July 2025
-
Wilson reportedly collapsed after being punched in the chest during a fraternity ritual.—
DeMicia Inman,
VIBE.com,
21 July 2025
Noun
-
Leighton said that’s exactly the kind of etiquette slight people need to endeavor to avoid.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
23 July 2025
-
The etiquette of posting on social media can be tricky to navigate—especially for new parents.—
Elisabeth Sherman,
Parents,
14 July 2025
Noun
-
Though small, Calabash has a rather large claim: It’s been deemed the Seafood Capital of the World, thanks to a very specific method of frying fish and shrimp that involves a light dusting of flour or cornmeal before dunking it in hot oil.—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
21 July 2025
-
Now, the state is making the firing squad its lead method of execution.—
Alisha Ebrahimji,
CNN Money,
21 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Form.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/form. Accessed 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share