epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing
Synonyms of epitomizenext

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.
According to Spate, a company specializing in machine intelligence for the beauty industry, eye-catching transformations like these are part of a wider shift within the beauty lexicon toward more expressive, striking hairstyles that epitomize an individual’s persona. Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 20 Feb. 2026 The Mountain West Co-Defensive Player of the Year epitomized what a shutdown corner should be last season. Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 2026 The band's androgynous fashion style, consisting of heavy makeup and bold stage outfits, helped epitomize the hair metal scene of the 1980s. Edward Segarra, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026 But the nation is on the rise in the hockey world — and Florida’s two representatives on the team in Balinskis and Vilmanis epitomize that. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 Feb. 2026 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 23 Feb. 2026.

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

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