epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as the typical or ideal example of

2

: to make or give an epitome of

Synonyms

• summarize
• outline

Examples of epitomize in a Sentence

This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.

his personal code of behavior on the playing field is epitomized by his favorite saying, “Nice guys finish last”

Recent Examples on the Web

The real transfer trend can be seen by Isak’s replacement at Newcastle, Nick Woltemade, whose move from Stuttgart epitomizes the transfer fee inflation that has defined the summer 2025 transfer window. —Steve Price, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025

Stock says her father’s gesture epitomizes their relationship. —Francesca Street, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025

Shouldn’t his 17-year record as head football coach, including his running a clean recruitment effort and graduating his players (epitomized by the highest Division I graduation rate for several years), have counted for something? —Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2025

Hilton, whose personal style came to epitomize the early 2000s, has since evolved into a savvy entrepreneur. —Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 27 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for epitomize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

: to make or serve as an epitome of