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

That brutal two-play sequence epitomized the Giants’ 3-2 loss to the Diamondbacks at Oracle Park, marking the second time Arizona has swept San Francisco in two weeks. —Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Since the beginning of her career, Cyrus has been lauded as a style mogul, a trendsetter — someone who uses fashion to epitomize her identity, whichever one that may be. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 May 2026

In every age, there is some place that epitomizes how power works. —Literary Hub, 21 May 2026

The character epitomizes what Herrero says were many of the young volunteers who joined the Legion. —Ed Meza, Variety, 16 May 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