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

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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

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Example Sentences

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Recent Examples of format The series was developed by Sudeikis, Lawrence, Kelly and Hunt, and is based on a preexisting format and characters from NBC Sports. Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 28 Apr. 2026 Even then, the format was nothing new. Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 Argentina, the local edition of the format in which contestants date through a wall before deciding whether to marry sight unseen. Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2026 The 26-point gap between the top two finishers is the second smallest since the current voting format began in 2002-03, behind only a 15-point gap in 2021-22. Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for format
Recent Examples of Synonyms for format
Noun
  • Released in the early ‘90s, the double-sided wristwatch shows a conventional chronograph layout with three registers on one side and an oversized, one-minute, multimeter scale on the other.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2026
  • There’s space to spread out, too, with notably generous layouts and extra-large bathroom vanities.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The site design also features restroom facilities, laundry machines, internet access and a secured perimeter with around-the-clock onsite security.
    Hannah Elsmore, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • David Gallos’s scenic design showcases a modest but welcoming home where Bertha’s biscuits bake in the oven, a box of dominoes lies tucked on a side table, and warm coffee heats on the stove.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Tight ends had a banner weekend with 22 picked, the most since 2015, according to Sportradar, as the league’s trend of more multi-tight-end formations put a premium on the position.
    Josh Dubow, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In summary, the raw data were used in simulating contrail formation and radiative forcing.
    Srishti Gupta, Interesting Engineering, 29 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • These ten compositions depend on lights in darkness, most commonly generated by candles, by the moon, or—as in the most famous painting here, An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (circa 1767)—by both.
    Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The songs are contextualized a little and, among other gentle pleasures, Kole and Galante explore a little of the structural complexity of Bacharach’s constantly shape-shifting music, an outlier among pop compositions and indicative of the composer’s technical genius.
    Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 24 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Leave plenty of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you to account for sudden stops or changes in the traffic pattern.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Sunshine returns Monday, bringing a break from the wet pattern and highs climbing into the upper 60s.
    Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 26 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • There will be a view of the river from the commons and interior wall graphics will illustrate the theme of the design, which incorporates the concepts of earth, air, water and fire.
    Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
  • Speed and trust were themes echoed by executives around the table.
    Diane Brady, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026

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

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