Synonyms of archetypal

archetypal

adjective

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

• classic
• exemplary
• quintessential
• paradigmatic
• perfect
• definitive
• excellent
• unique
• superb
• model
• wonderful
• exceptional
• great
• terrific
• prime
• imitable
• ideal
• textbook
• special
• fine
• marvelous
• fantastic
• absolute
• stellar
• flawless
• superlative
• fabulous
• splendid
• nonpareil
• sensational
• first-class
• superior
• first-rate
• dandy
• top
• impeccable
• nifty
• grand
• sterling
• fancy
• high-grade
• par excellence
• choice
• unsurpassed
• capital
• banner
• swell
• wizard
• A1
• groovy
• primo
• keen
• top-notch
• crackerjack
• bang-up
• tip-top
• jim-dandy
• A-OK

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poor
• bad
• unsatisfactory
• substandard
• typical
• vile
• normal
• wretched
• ordinary
• inadequate
• average
• low-grade
• inferior
• atrocious
• representative
• deficient
• disappointing
• execrable
• second-class
• mediocre
• failed
• second-rate

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

• typical
• normal
• average
• standard
• true
• usual
• characteristic
• regular
• representative
• classic
• ordinary
• conventional
• common
• customary
• predictable
• familiar
• commonplace
• everyday
• predominant
• habitual
• workaday
• vintage
• routine
• unremarkable
• expected
• unexceptional
• textbook
• wonted
• preponderant

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• abnormal
• anomalous
• unusual
• aberrant
• deviant
• uncommon
• special
• distinctive
• unique
• irregular
• extraordinary
• unconventional
• remarkable
• rare
• exceptional
• singular
• unfamiliar
• unexpected
• untypical
• noteworthy
• unpredictable
• unknown
• eccentric
• peculiar
• idiosyncratic
• infrequent
• nontypical
• especial
• nonrepresentative
• strange
• unorthodox
• odd
• curious
• uncustomary
• unwonted
• funny
• outlandish
• bizarre
• erratic
• wild
• outrageous
• unnatural
• fantastic
• weird
• nonconformist
• out-of-the-way
• oddball
• quirky
• offbeat
• wacky
• funky
• screwy
• way-out
• freakish
• kooky
• outré
• far-out
• freak

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of archetypal

Lestat remembers himself like a bit of an archetypal fairytale babe in the woods in the recounting of his human life. — Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 22 June 2026

The Yellow Jacket Lackey is the archetypal late bloomer. — Teddy Cahill, New York Times, 29 May 2026

In its archetypal form, the seduction plot features a sybaritic aristocrat who attempts to debauch an upstanding daughter of the bourgeoisie. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

In a region known for its rolling landscapes, romantic hill towns, and outstanding cuisine, Val d’Orcia is the archetypal Tuscany. — Elizabeth Heath, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026

But being able to use the environment in surprising ways matched the surprising depth and detail with which the actors were able to realize characters that could be somewhat archetypal. — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 20 May 2026

Just over two miles south of the historic village of Tintagel, Trebarwith is a wild, archetypal north‑coast beach—a mile‑long sweep of golden sand and rocky outcrops visible only at low tide. — Lewis Nunn, Forbes.com, 19 June 2026

Even though the action is revoltingly real, the fighters seem almost interchangeable, cookie-cutter, and therefore even more archetypal. — Gal Beckerman, The Atlantic, 15 June 2026

Perhaps because Mansfield died young, at thirty-four, of tuberculosis, her adult and middle-aged characters tend to feel a bit archetypical by comparison. — Literary Hub, 8 June 2026