as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Recent Examples of quintessential
Luvme designates this tier, which comprises the vast majority of the brand’s wig offerings on the site, as the quintessential selection for first-time wig buyers and value-savvy shoppers seeking exceptional quality, resilience, and an impeccable, manageable finish without the extravagant price tag.
—
Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
From mid-2000s dance pop to quintessential hip-hop, punk rock and anthemic country, tell us which nostalgic banger lives on in your heart as the defining song of 2006.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
For many of us, lamb is a quintessential dish for springtime.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026
For generations, minivans have been seen as the quintessential family vehicle.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Noel Cymone Walker, StyleCaster, 1 Apr. 2026
From mid-2000s dance pop to quintessential hip-hop, punk rock and anthemic country, tell us which nostalgic banger lives on in your heart as the defining song of 2006.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 31 Mar. 2026
For many of us, lamb is a quintessential dish for springtime.
—Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 28 Mar. 2026
For generations, minivans have been seen as the quintessential family vehicle.
—Keith Laing, USA Today, 25 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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The result is functional comfort food that fuels modern lifestyles -- bringing together great taste and powerful nutrition so people can enjoy classic favorites like pasta night with the benefits of high protein, high fiber and dramatically fewer carbs.—
Tory Johnson,
ABC News,
8 Apr. 2026
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The cut opens with a robotic assemblage of classic synth sounds that briefly gives way to swinging drums and a bright piano melody.—
Matthew Ismael Ruiz,
Pitchfork,
7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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And Sean right now, in that moment, is exemplary in his growth.—
Ashley Boucher,
Entertainment Weekly,
1 Apr. 2026
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AVs will — literally — drive exemplary behavior on Maryland roads.—
John Seng,
Baltimore Sun,
30 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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On this postcard-perfect corner of Canada’s northeastern province of Newfoundland and Labrador that’s slammed by wind and waves, cod-fishing communities hold on to their distinctive settler history.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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Anything less than near-perfect means teams are preparing for a potential delay.—
Brandi D. Addison,
USA Today,
1 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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This archetypal hamburger and shake joint, founded in September 1956, initially had a long counter and about four tables.—
USA TODAY Network,
USA Today,
20 Mar. 2026
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Shearer and Greaves are considered among the archetypal greatest centre-forwards in the English game, but that accolade now solely belongs to Kane, whose goalscoring achievements in England and Germany are remarkable.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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All of the tax issues passed with definitive support.—
The Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
8 Apr. 2026
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Despite advances in breast imaging, breast biopsy remains the only definitive method to determine whether a suspicious lump is cancerous.—
Quing Zhu,
The Conversation,
6 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Apple has somehow emerged from the global hardware shortage as a value buy, with its MacBook Neo offering an excellent modern computing experience for a mere $600.—
Jon Martindale,
PC Magazine,
2 Apr. 2026
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Harbor locals should boast that one of the county’s singularly excellent pizzerias is in their backyard.—
Jenn Harris,
Los Angeles Times,
2 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
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