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
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

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
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.
Damian Lillard waves goodbye to OKC The final two possessions of a first-round series between the Thunder and Trail Blazers epitomized the rivalry between Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook, the latter of whom had been talking trash at the former for years. The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2025 John Lautner’s 1968 Elrod House in Palm Springs, featured in Diamonds Are Forever, epitomized the almost backwards luxury of living within stone. Leonora Epstein, Architectural Digest, 7 Nov. 2025 But critics believe that Paris’ reputation for haute couture, bespoke elegance and exclusive design couldn’t be further from the disposable culture epitomized by Shein’s ultra-low-price, accessible-to-all clothing. Joseph Ataman, CNN Money, 4 Nov. 2025 This may sound like good news for some, who see clear financial opportunities in it, but for the industry as a whole — and for audiences — the rise of microdrama, which epitomizes a low-cost content model, is not encouraging news. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 28 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for epitomize

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitomize was in 1594

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Cite this Entry

“Epitomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitomize. Accessed 21 Nov. 2025.

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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