1
as in exemplary
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
classic designs in furniture that never go out of style
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind
one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the anthropologist noted the classic facial features of the inhabitants of those islands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
among women who have devoted themselves to a life of scientific inquiry, Marie Curie is one of the acknowledged classics
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in masterpiece
something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement
the works of Michelangelo are regarded as classics of the sculptor's art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ideal
the most perfect type or example
his journey of discovery was a classic of arduous effort and fierce determination
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of classic
Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025
In the next town over, White Stone’s Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard’s coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough.
—Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
This week's quiz highlights country classics, patriotic practices — and more!
—Khloe Quill , Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for classic
Adjective
This is a classic explanation for why coal mining pays a premium.
—Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 27 May 2025
In the next town over, White Stone’s Chesapeake Doughnut Co. also serves Blanchard’s coffee, along with classic and creative doughnut flavors and tasty sandwiches on homemade biscuits or buns made from doughnut dough.
—Simon Davidson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
Noun
Rod Stewart will be honored for his lifetime achievement, proving the classics never go out of style.
—Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 May 2025
This week's quiz highlights country classics, patriotic practices — and more!
—Khloe Quill , Reem Amro, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for classic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classic
Adjective
-
The game’s first power play went Minnesota’s way, and the Frost kept Ottawa hemmed in for much of the two minutes, but managed only one shot on Phillips, as the Charge did exemplary work clogging the net-front and blocking shots.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2025
-
The award, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Amazon The latest MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is an excellent, lightweight laptop.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
24 May 2025
-
The enchanting espionage comedy flaunts an excellent Benicio del Toro as a 1950s industrialist, who, after surviving an attempt on his life, names his estranged daughter Liesl (Mia Threapleton) as heir to his empire.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Adjective
-
The animal has a long tail and distinctive tufts of soft hair.—
Erin Clack,
People.com,
1 June 2025
-
Their selection always includes highly sophisticated and distinctive films that have broadened my cinematic horizons.—
Leo Barraclough,
Variety,
30 May 2025
Adjective
-
Sharing these private details will be challenging, since authoritative Saturn and confusing Neptune will corner the sun over the next few days.—
Liz Simmons,
StyleCaster,
27 May 2025
-
One 2022 study found that children raised with an authoritative parenting style were more likely to achieve academically.—
Madeline Holcombe,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
Toyota's midsize sedan is a best-selling model in its segment that competes with popular rivals like the Honda Accord.—
Charles Singh,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
-
Together, their strengths offer a model for a pope who can shepherd with both mind and heart — faithful to doctrine and fearless in love.—
Case Thorp,
The Orlando Sentinel,
22 May 2025
Noun
-
His backyard was a living masterpiece, filled with everything from tomatoes to kiwis.—
Tereza Shkurtaj,
People.com,
25 May 2025
-
The clues first turn up inscribed in a 9th-century Tibetan scroll and then — Da Vinci Code style — in the 1600s in masterpieces painted by Caravaggio, Rubens, Velázquez, El Greco and Rembrandt.—
Sean Kingsley,
HollywoodReporter,
24 May 2025
Noun
-
The whole of Wish World is built on Conrad's toxic ideals, made real by Desidirium's powers and subsequently amplified by the Ranis' ingenious/devious use of Voystet-bladen technology.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
24 May 2025
-
All those aspects make Zoom Phone ideal for customer support representatives who don't need advanced contact center features, knowledge workers who frequently make calls, and sales teams.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
One of the quintessential activities to do during summer in the South is a classic porch hang—or patio hang, or pool hang, or sunroom hang in the blessed air-conditioning.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
26 May 2025
-
But Italian beef, the quintessential Chicago sandwich, remains at the top of the Buona menu — and its expansion plans.—
Robert Channick,
Chicago Tribune,
23 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classic. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share