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

But Collier has always epitomized professionalism. —Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 7 May 2026

For The Times) Ruby Cochrane and Olga Nikolaeva epitomized the mindset Mira Costa brought to Saturday afternoon’s Southern Section Division 1 girls’ beach volleyball championship match at Long Beach City College. —Steve Galluzzo, Los Angeles Times, 2 May 2026

The couple epitomized Hollywood glamour at the 51st Golden Globe Awards in 1994. —Kate Hogan, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

There are more classics than could be named here, but these eight masterpieces epitomize the decade’s social and political trajectory like no others. —David Faris, TheWeek, 29 Apr. 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