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
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Per Harle, it’s epitomized in the scene where Simba sees the reflection of his father’s face, as well as in the theme music of the 1990 Lucasfilm adventure game The Secret of Monkey Island. Anna Gaca, Pitchfork, 1 Oct. 2025 The final game against Nakashima epitomized the completeness of his tennis. Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 Lopez appeared to have hit his stride—the gown epitomized the unconventional opulence of his design language. Ana Karina Zatarain, New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2025 But as the Chiefs continue to look somewhere between mortal and vulnerable since reaching five of the last six Super Bowls, Kelce’s day in some ways epitomizes that. Kansas City Star, 15 Sep. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Epitomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitomize. Accessed 5 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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