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
Relevance
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
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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetypal
Adjective
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The classic and irresistible pairing of fat and acid is nothing short of genius; the butter that makes the sauce taste so rich and creamy is perfectly tempered by the vinegar that adds a signature tang to the hot sauce.
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Fans have since delighted in the resurgence of the classic 1971 country-folk hit, with videos circulating across social media of World Cup viewers proudly belting the lyrics.
Adjective
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The researchers said a household needs an income of roughly $120,000 to afford a typical home these days.
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Quantum computing can boost capacity beyond that of a typical computer.
Adjective
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According to the Michelin Guide, restaurants may receive one to three Michelin stars for exemplary food.
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Not to mention, in the past, NASA engineers haven’t exactly shown an exemplary understanding of women’s bodies to begin with.
Adjective
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Shah adds that many women feel their best when ferritin levels are at least between 40 and 70 ng/ml for optimal energy and hair health, even if lab ranges suggest lower levels are ‘normal’.
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People are being asked to have their trash and recycling at the curb at least one hour prior to their normal pickup time.
Adjective
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From every direction, the park system serves as the quintessential urban oasis, the fiber that connects residents to their neighborhoods and communities to their city.
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The quintessential character actress, Dowd has appeared in dozens of films, including The Manchurian Candidate (2004), Marley & Me (2008), Compliance (2012), Side Effects (2013), and Hereditary (2018).
Adjective
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Conditions will bring above-average temperatures to World Cup host cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and Kansas City, Missouri, all of which have open-air stadiums.
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Forty ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, according to data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler, a number still significantly lower than the average daily crossings before the war with Iran started in February.
Adjective
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In the most American of stories, the Idaho potato, forming half of the paradigmatic American meal (a burger and fries), only became a paradigm when gold was discovered in Idaho in 1860.
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This is perhaps a paradigmatic example of how AI can be useful today.
Adjective
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In Taiwan, the university where a prospective student was caught cheating is now reviewing rules and standard operating procedures for AI eyewears during examinations.
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Travel adviser Lori Swinderman, president of Travel By La Buena Vida, says even a standard itinerary allows for touches of luxury — a few nights in a beautiful hotel, a special experience, or thoughtful upgrades can make all the difference.
Cite this Entry
“Archetypal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetypal. Accessed 1 Jul. 2026.
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