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

Your practice has always moved between instinct and construction, intimacy and performance, the personal and the archetypal. — Alessia Glaviano, Vogue, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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

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

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