epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as the typical or ideal example of

Memorial Day might be the unofficial start to summer, but the Fourth of July is the holiday that most epitomizes it.

—Chris Morris

2

: to make or give an epitome of

Synonyms of epitomize

• 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

Brooke epitomized the cheesy cliché about turning lemons into lemonade. — Margaux Anbouba, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026

Digger epitomizes the difference between big swing and hubristic folly more than any film since Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis, another wildly ambitious bid to skewer the chaos of contemporary reality. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 29 Sep. 2026

On Sunday, the country that epitomized neutrality for centuries, Switzerland, added some clarity to its identity as an icon of evenhandedness. — The Monitor's Editorial Board, Christian Science Monitor, 28 Sep. 2026

The dish epitomized her mom, who loved a decadent chocolate cake. — Lia Picard, AJC.com, 27 Sep. 2026

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