epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as the typical or ideal example of
2
: to make or give an epitome of

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 Cadet Casas-Hernandez epitomizes the spirit of excellence and service within our program. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 The once-standard office culture that epitomized Corporate America for decades is slowly withering away. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Perhaps no city along Texas’s border with Mexico has better epitomized what can happen when local leaders and volunteers band together to help the thousands of men, women and children seeking a new life in the United States than Brownsville. Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Materials: Raffia-like yarn Colors: Available in mint green, pink, black and white Size: 14.1'' W x 14.9'' H x 1.1'' D Features: Crochet design, unlined 4/23 The Row Idaho Leather Tote What designer epitomizes quiet luxury more than The Row? Paula Lee, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 Of course there’s a look, epitomized in the confident, authentic glamor of Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Mariah Carey. Aj Willingham, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024 Their first initiative was the Foundations Collection, a capsule designed in-house that epitomizes the quiet luxury aesthetic pioneered at their resorts. Kissa Castañeda, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2024 His journey epitomized his country’s campaign at this year’s AFCON, which started in the worst possible way. Ben Church, CNN, 12 Feb. 2024 The mushroom, the embodiment of all things earthy, epitomized this trend. Maggie Gillette, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epitomize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitomize was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near epitomize

Cite this Entry

“Epitomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitomize. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

epitomize

verb
epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing
: to make or serve as an epitome of

More from Merriam-Webster on epitomize

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