variants
also archetypical
1
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
St. Peter's basilica in Rome is considered by some art historians to be the archetypal structure in the baroque style
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the movie's hero is pretty archetypal, lacking in any distinctive qualities that would distinguish him from countless other masked avengers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of archetypal
As an archetypal centre-forward, Abraham ranks in the top 17 per cent of strikers from Europe’s top five leagues for touches in the opposition penalty area.
—
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Agnifilo previously worked under archetypal celebrity defense lawyer Ben Brafman, whose clients have included accused Mafia bosses and Michael Jackson, and represented Shkreli and Dominique Strauss-Kahn alongside Brafman before starting his own firm.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026
But her motivation, actions, and payoff are fundamentally different from those of her archetypical brothers and sisters.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
This water sign embodies the archetypal mother; the protective space, the nurturing force, and these qualities are precisely what dominates now.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2026
Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.
—Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
The My Struggle author has been back in the business of non-autobiographical novels for a few years now, but there’s something familiar, even archetypal, about the narrator of The School of Night, the fourth volume in Knausgaard’s Morning Star sequence.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
In a region known for its rolling landscapes, romantic hill towns, and outstanding cuisine, Val d’Orcia is the archetypal Tuscany.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
Aspen is the archetypical snow globe of a mountain town.
—Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 27 Jan. 2026
Agnifilo previously worked under archetypal celebrity defense lawyer Ben Brafman, whose clients have included accused Mafia bosses and Michael Jackson, and represented Shkreli and Dominique Strauss-Kahn alongside Brafman before starting his own firm.
—Dan Adler, Vanity Fair, 27 Jan. 2026
But her motivation, actions, and payoff are fundamentally different from those of her archetypical brothers and sisters.
—Literary Hub, 23 Jan. 2026
This water sign embodies the archetypal mother; the protective space, the nurturing force, and these qualities are precisely what dominates now.
—Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2026
Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman.
—Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026
The My Struggle author has been back in the business of non-autobiographical novels for a few years now, but there’s something familiar, even archetypal, about the narrator of The School of Night, the fourth volume in Knausgaard’s Morning Star sequence.
—Emma Alpern, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025
In a region known for its rolling landscapes, romantic hill towns, and outstanding cuisine, Val d’Orcia is the archetypal Tuscany.
—Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 23 Dec. 2025
Aspen is the archetypical snow globe of a mountain town.
—Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetypal
Adjective
-
The mini lamb chops are a classic treat for carnivores.—
Carlos Rico,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
18 Feb. 2026
-
Culinary trends come and go, but a classic Martha Stewart recipe is forever.—
Jennifer Anderson,
Martha Stewart,
17 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
With the right development, the cost of residing here could be more affordable than typical; that would be attractive for the thousands of lower-paying jobs in the area.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
-
These pastries aren’t just your typical donuts with a fancy name.—
Joseph Erbentraut,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
No, this was a nuts and bolts, go-to-the-net-front, exemplary redirection for the final goal — a record-breaking 15th goal and 33rd point, in fact — of Knight’s five-time Olympic career.—
Michael Russo,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The way Robby is handling the increasingly complicated situation with hospice patient Roxie is also an exemplary display of his empathy.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
In Italy and Switzerland, the avalanche death tolls are also much higher than normal.—
Issy Ronald,
CNN Money,
22 Feb. 2026
-
On the one hand, far more blooms than normal graced the desert all winter long.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Sggvescy 24-Inch White Daisy Wreath Daisies are a quintessential spring floral, so a wreath covered in the flower is a must-have for the season.—
Jamie Weissman,
Better Homes & Gardens,
16 Feb. 2026
-
Peak Lapel, a collection created by Ben Stedman and Jack Milkes, was the quintessential example.—
Jean E. Palmieri,
Footwear News,
13 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Today, the average time to get a container from a ship to a train is just under four days.—
Liz Hoffman,
semafor.com,
20 Feb. 2026
-
The agency said the man is approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 tall with an average build.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
20 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
The Holocaust may be the paradigmatic genocide.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Will speaking characters into action be a novelty or a mainstay — a paradigmatic way of interacting with screens or just a passing diversion that will turn this deal cringe in short order?—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
12 Dec. 2025
Adjective
-
Of course, standard service like checking you in, unpacking your luggage, and arranging your room and amenities to your liking is taken care of effortlessly.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
-
If Democrats get to carry out a referendum, voters will choose whether to temporarily adopt new congressional districts and then return to Virginia's standard process after the 2030 census.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Archetypal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetypal. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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