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

One brother epitomized the god of wine and the pleasures of the flesh. — Chuck Lorre, Vanity Fair, 7 Oct. 2026

As Rosewood's first foray into the UAE, this property, much like all 26 Rosewoods worldwide, epitomizes style and sophistication. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

And perhaps no season better epitomizes the program and its direction than the first half of 2026 in Los Angeles. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 4 Oct. 2026

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