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

This water sign embodies the archetypal mother; the protective space, the nurturing force, and these qualities are precisely what dominates now. —Danijela Pilic, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2026

Director Nadia Hallgren had immense access to Obama, following her across a 34-city book tour and turning the introspective writing into a dynamic reflection of the author as the archetypal modern woman. —Chris Snellgrove, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Jan. 2026

The My Struggle author has been back in the business of non-autobiographical novels for a few years now, but there’s something familiar, even archetypal, about the narrator of The School of Night, the fourth volume in Knausgaard’s Morning Star sequence. —Emma Alpern, Vulture, 30 Dec. 2025

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, 23 Dec. 2025

Aspen is the archetypical snow globe of a mountain town. —Zachary Weiss, Vogue, 23 Dec. 2025

Ollie Watkins is the only archetypal forward at Emery’s disposal, with Donyell Malen regarded more as a support striker or wide forward. —Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 2 Dec. 2025

Some of Ingram’s meditations follow the rhythms of an archetypal standup joke. —Tyler Foggatt, New Yorker, 29 Nov. 2025

In popular culture, the archetypal look of a witch is a female figure generally depicted wearing a black dress, robe, or cloak. —Kati Chitrakorn, CNN Money, 21 Nov. 2025