variants
also archetypical
1
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
St. Peter's basilica in Rome is considered by some art historians to be the archetypal structure in the baroque style
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
the movie's hero is pretty archetypal, lacking in any distinctive qualities that would distinguish him from countless other masked avengers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of archetypal
The archetypal climbers were young men without families to feed or full-time jobs to hold down, free to devote their waking hours to becoming one with the rock.
—
Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 17 Oct. 2025
But Pynchon is also funny, and the disorientation of his novels gives ways to discovery, and un-tangling, and the characters have goofy names that allude to their archetypal nature.
—Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
This sentiment identifies her as the show’s audience surrogate—the archetypal true crime fangirl.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
In isolation, the scenario is an archetypal neurosis long familiar to Asian American men, often cast near the bottom of the dating ladder in the United States.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The photographer’s favorite Chinatown is, nonetheless, the archetypal one — San Francisco’s, which although largely rebuilt following the 1906 earthquake was founded during the California Gold Rush in the late 1840s.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Villa do not have an archetypal right-winger following Bailey’s departure.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Gaza also has a Biblical presence, associated with the Philistines, the archetypal enemy of the Israelites.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
But given that finally writing that book is the archetypal one-day retirement dream for a lot of people, McGilchrist’s advice is especially pertinent.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 14 Aug. 2025
Kelli María Korducki, HubSpot, 17 Oct. 2025
But Pynchon is also funny, and the disorientation of his novels gives ways to discovery, and un-tangling, and the characters have goofy names that allude to their archetypal nature.
—Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2025
This sentiment identifies her as the show’s audience surrogate—the archetypal true crime fangirl.
—Judy Berman, Time, 6 Oct. 2025
In isolation, the scenario is an archetypal neurosis long familiar to Asian American men, often cast near the bottom of the dating ladder in the United States.
—Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 3 Oct. 2025
The photographer’s favorite Chinatown is, nonetheless, the archetypal one — San Francisco’s, which although largely rebuilt following the 1906 earthquake was founded during the California Gold Rush in the late 1840s.
—Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
Villa do not have an archetypal right-winger following Bailey’s departure.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 11 Sep. 2025
Gaza also has a Biblical presence, associated with the Philistines, the archetypal enemy of the Israelites.
—Marc Champion, Twin Cities, 14 Aug. 2025
But given that finally writing that book is the archetypal one-day retirement dream for a lot of people, McGilchrist’s advice is especially pertinent.
—Jonny Thomson, Big Think, 14 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetypal
Adjective
-
For those who dislike pasta salad because of all the extra fixings that come with it, look no further than Laurel Market’s simple yet delicious take on the classic side.—
Sofia DiStefano,
Charlotte Observer,
20 Oct. 2025
-
The collared neckline lends the classic sweater a vintage-meets-modern appeal, while its structured shape adds a refined edge without compromising comfort.—
Nicol Natale,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
Voronkov skated by the Columbus bench for the typical goal celebration anyway.—
Corey Masisak,
Denver Post,
17 Oct. 2025
-
What would be a typical work outfit for you?—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The hue exudes quiet luxury while remaining a quintessential fall color.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
22 Oct. 2025
-
But beyond these quintessential Mexican comforts sits the inventive, nuanced fare from La Dama, a party-with-polish treasure inspired by chef-owner Emmanuel Corona's upbringing in the country’s southern and central regions.—
Rachel Bernhard,
jsonline.com,
22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Although his average size (6-0 1/4, 232) stands out, Fisher’s speed and instincts stand out even more.—
Dane Brugler,
New York Times,
16 Oct. 2025
-
At the end of June, the company had 849,643 active memberships, with its members spending, on average, $888 on monthly dues and additional services over a three-month period from April through June.—
Jennifer Van Grove,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
16 Oct. 2025
Adjective
-
The 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda became the paradigmatic example, prosecuted at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and recognized by the UN Security Council.—
Faisal Kutty,
MSNBC Newsweek,
25 Sep. 2025
-
Though beloved by many straight men for the wrong reasons, the central character in American Psycho — a movie directed by a woman, written by a woman, and based on a novel written by a gay man — has always been paradigmatic of repressed same-sex desire.—
Mathew Rodriguez,
Them.,
23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
In addition to her more standard posts, she's also opened up about her grieving process, sharing updates on her therapy and coping journeys.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
20 Oct. 2025
-
Buck Mason’s Loomstate selvedge cowboy cut jeans have a higher rise than the standard fit, giving you a more Western style.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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There is no deadline or definitive timetable set for completion of the strategic alternatives review process.—
Jill Goldsmith,
Deadline,
21 Oct. 2025
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Appearing Wednesday evening on NewsNation, Homan was more definitive.—
Ruth Marcus,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The Old Farmer's Almanac predicts near-to-above normal snowfall on the Ohio Valley's eastern side, which includes Pittsburgh and Charleston, South Carolina, and a below-normal amount on the western side, near the southern tip of Illinois.—
Kaycee Sloan,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
21 Oct. 2025
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Those in the control group were simply asked to maintain their normal daily activities throughout the study and were not assigned any strength programming.—
Peter Mason,
Outside,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Archetypal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetypal. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.
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