1
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a literary character who is regarded as the prototype of the fanatical and intolerant pursuer of justice

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2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the Greek epic that is the prototype of the hero myth

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3
as in original
something from which copies are made the manufacturer exhaustively tested the prototype of the vehicle before approving production

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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 prototype Bell’s prototype, the V-280 Valor, is a tiltrotor aircraft that exceeds in every way the capabilities of today’s military choppers. Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 2 July 2025 But the tough-yet-sophisticated exterior is just one part of this prototype’s appeal. Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 1 July 2025 In October 2024, Musk showcased prototype robots interacting with human guests at an event without telling anyone they were tele-operated remotely by humans. Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 28 June 2025 By 2019, his startup team had built a prototype and launched a DTC subscription model, pairing a predictable market with luxury branding. Tanya Benedicto Klich, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for prototype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prototype
Noun
  • The Tommy Bahama, for example, is loaded with useful features—without adding bulk.
    Melanie Fincher, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • Media personality Bo Dietl, for example, is teaming up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to raise $10 million through an outside group to challenge Mamdani, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
Noun
  • The killer is a man who, for all his delusions, pokes at the other men’s complacency and domesticity — making this thriller a forerunner of everything from Easy Rider to The Hitcher to Collateral. 20.
    Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 27 June 2025
  • Here is a look at some of the most likely forerunners to serve as the 267th pope, according to public reporting.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 21 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The new lodge sat on the foundation of the former and used many of the original's materials, but was scaled back in its design, removing a second story and observation tower that were part of the original, according to the National Park Service.
    Perry Vandell, AZCentral.com, 13 July 2025
  • To appreciate the essence of the 911, one really has to go back to the original.
    Robert Ross, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • But there’s also enough of a sample size, defender Chris McVey said, to believe last week’s lapses were merely a one-off.
    Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Specifically, the suit says that a sample of Casamigos Blanco contained just 33 percent ethanol derived from agave, and a sample of the Reposado expression contained about 42 percent ethanol derived from agave—levels that fall below the 51 percent that is required even for a mixto.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Chinese authorities have since controlled a number of these precursor chemicals.
    Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 12 July 2025
  • As a precursor of sorts for CBS stalwart Survivor (which returns for its 49th edition on September 24), Big Brother is the perfect reality appetizer before the ultimate main course.
    Marc Berman, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • The warning required immediate action by Orange County Global, which contracted with a vendor that same day to process the untested specimens.
    Scott Schwebke, Oc Register, 12 July 2025
  • The collection of specimens is kept at the Beckman Center for Conservation Research near the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • The gift of 'The Mahabharata' that my ancestors gave me is truly the gift that keeps giving.
    Michael Barnes, Austin American Statesman, 2 July 2025
  • The same ancestor who founded this homestead left his own family behind in Georgia; that cold resolve is Hailey’s inheritance too.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2025
Noun
  • In these instances, prior authorization is essential.
    Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025
  • The instances involved orcas of all ages and sexes, as well as from all three pods.
    Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prototype. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

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