1
as in models
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
Relevance
2
as in masterpieces
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 incarnations
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 classics
Expect classics from the American songbook, wily new interpretations of contemporary pop songs, Broadway standards and lots of sweet between-song patter.
—
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
The Midtown Farmers Market treated visitors to jazz this Saturday as A King’s Dream performed classics on bass guitar and saxophone, kicking off a month full of experiences including musical performances and more.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Of the many subfields in classics, papyrology is perhaps the most difficult to understand but also the most bewitching.
—Madeleine Schwartz, The New York Review of Books, 6 June 2026
There’s no fuss, no food, no televisions, no reservations, and a staff required to master the classics before they're allowed to put an original on the menu.
—Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
The menu is full of twists-on-classics such as the Clean Dirty Martini, served with a frozen cube of olive juice, and the Ritz Pimms with, of course, many secret ingredients in addition to ginger ale, Champagne, and garnishes of fruit, cucumber, fresh mint and griottine cherries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Working with producer-guitarist Andrew Watt, McCartney instead seems dedicated to pitching a new song or two alongside his pantheon of classics.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Tony Curtis, who was married six times and died in 2010 at age 85, received an Oscar nomination for his turn in The Defiant Ones (1958) and starred in such classics as Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and Some Like It Hot (1958).
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
The English singer-songwriter, who recently left Atlantic Records, his longtime home, does appear on multiple tallies this week with a mix of older classics and a new win.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 6 June 2026
The Midtown Farmers Market treated visitors to jazz this Saturday as A King’s Dream performed classics on bass guitar and saxophone, kicking off a month full of experiences including musical performances and more.
—Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 6 June 2026
Of the many subfields in classics, papyrology is perhaps the most difficult to understand but also the most bewitching.
—Madeleine Schwartz, The New York Review of Books, 6 June 2026
There’s no fuss, no food, no televisions, no reservations, and a staff required to master the classics before they're allowed to put an original on the menu.
—Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026
The menu is full of twists-on-classics such as the Clean Dirty Martini, served with a frozen cube of olive juice, and the Ritz Pimms with, of course, many secret ingredients in addition to ginger ale, Champagne, and garnishes of fruit, cucumber, fresh mint and griottine cherries.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
Working with producer-guitarist Andrew Watt, McCartney instead seems dedicated to pitching a new song or two alongside his pantheon of classics.
—Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 4 June 2026
Tony Curtis, who was married six times and died in 2010 at age 85, received an Oscar nomination for his turn in The Defiant Ones (1958) and starred in such classics as Sweet Smell of Success (1957) and Some Like It Hot (1958).
—Mike Barnes, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2026
The English singer-songwriter, who recently left Atlantic Records, his longtime home, does appear on multiple tallies this week with a mix of older classics and a new win.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 30 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classics
Noun
-
An early wave of AI verification focused on confirming models were safe, accurate and claims were real.—
Alex Lazarow,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
-
What has happened is that SpaceX is the first of a growing number of companies that are overturning and replacing the business models that have dominated the space sector since the beginning.—
David Szondy
May 31,
New Atlas,
31 May 2026
Noun
-
With the help of Ray Aghayan and Rhett Turner, Mackie is responsible for more iconic masterpieces, specifically designed for leading ladies, than any other costume designer this historian can think of.—
Rachel Elspeth Gross,
Forbes.com,
30 May 2026
-
The theme dreamed up by Challis Davy looks at legendary artists and masterpieces, such as Michelangelo, Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh, Kahlo, and Rockwell.—
Erika I. Ritchie,
Oc Register,
30 May 2026
Noun
-
The game seamlessly strings together disparate incarnations of Batman into a cohesive experience that feels surprisingly fresh.—
Gabriel Zamora,
PC Magazine,
26 May 2026
-
Featuring Steven Bernstein on brass, Kenny Wollesen on drums and percussion, Douglas Wieselman on winds and guitar, Briggan Krauss on saxophone and guitar, and Tony Scherr on bass, these arrangements are more muscular and robust than many of their original incarnations.—
David Harris,
SPIN,
11 May 2026
Noun
-
While Breez grew up immersed in South Florida boating culture, Gone became interested in what the lifestyle brand reveals about broader ideas of belonging and the balance of power.—
Michelle F. Solomon,
Miami Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Ongoing facilities master planning that focuses on capital investments and integrates community ideas into the future of existing buildings can minimize disruptions and build trust with communities affected.—
Julia McWilliams,
The Conversation,
4 June 2026
Noun
-
Surrounding it are objects that explore core American ideals — the pursuit of new horizons, fairness, democracy, hope, defending freedom and progress.—
Mike Stunson,
USA Today,
3 June 2026
-
Though America’s founders, of course, did not always live up to these ideals themselves, this early reform shows us that American justice was meant to be resolute, principled, and restrained.—
Ana Zamora,
Time,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
Randy Colman, president and CEO of Goodman Jewish Family Services, thanked the survivors for being living examples of perseverance and strength.—
Lauren Costantino,
Miami Herald,
3 June 2026
-
These examples are among the more tame messages — many are laced with profanity and references to violence.—
Maven Navarro
June 3,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
3 June 2026
Noun
-
The collection is built around a fascination of the forest, its mystery, beauty, and the sublime forces of nature, its perfections and imperfections.—
Felicity Carter,
Forbes.com,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Meanwhile, here are some other Bay Area manifestations of the Miles/Coltrane centennial.—
Andrew Gilbert,
Mercury News,
28 May 2026
-
Murphy won't say, for fear of sharing her manifestations.—
Rebecca Aizin,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classics.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classics. Accessed 7 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
