Synonyms of archetype

archetype

noun

ˈär-ki-ˌtīp 

1

as in original

something from which copies are made

Beowulf is considered by some scholars to be the archetype for medieval British heroic tales

Synonyms & Similar Words

• original
• prototype
• source
• example
• blueprint
• model
• paradigm
• mold
• pattern
• ideal
• classic
• exemplar
• paragon
• nonpareil
• draft
• beau ideal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitation
• copy
• reproduction
• replica
• forgery
• sham
• counterfeit
• fake

2

as in forerunner

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

the abacus is sometimes cited as the archetype of the modern digital calculator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• ancestor
• precursor
• prototype
• predecessor
• antecedent
• model
• original
• granddaddy
• daddy
• originator
• mother
• foregoer
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• derivative
• outgrowth
• offshoot
• son
• by-product
• daughter
• spin-off

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of archetype

The sessions went so well that Morali asked Willis to front the group, which adopted campy archetypes of masculinity — cop, cowboy and construction worker among them — in their stage costumes. — Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

As Buffy Gilmore, Shannon Elizabeth parodied the girl-next-door archetype, eventually proving to be not so innocent behind the scenes. — Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 27 June 2026

Most of the comedy lies in drawing out the characters’ ridiculous attempts to fit into crime movie archetypes — but more than once, this only draws attention to the film’s own failure to meet the standards of its genre. — Elena Lazic, Variety, 26 June 2026

That also was the case with weapons, where only half or so of weapon archetypes were dedicated anti-champion picks. — Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026

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