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
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Recent Examples of archetypal
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
Today’s clients aren’t just heiresses and socialites—such as the archetypal ladies who lunched Nan Kempner and Lynn Wyatt—they’re young tech founders, wealthy aesthetes, and archivists.
—Chloe Russell Kent, Air Mail, 9 Aug. 2025
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
Today’s clients aren’t just heiresses and socialites—such as the archetypal ladies who lunched Nan Kempner and Lynn Wyatt—they’re young tech founders, wealthy aesthetes, and archivists.
—Chloe Russell Kent, Air Mail, 9 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetypal
Adjective
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The classic Stern misdirect briefly confused listeners and leaned into the unfounded rumors that SiriusXM wasn't planning to renew Stern’s current five-year contract, which expires in December.—
Melissa Ruggieri,
USA Today,
9 Sep. 2025
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The 12-piece line, featuring colorful plates, cups, candleholders, and a show-stopping spiral vase, reimagines classic Swedish holiday traditions with a fresh, joyful edge.—
Elizabeth Fogarty,
Better Homes & Gardens,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The typical price of a single-family home in the United States is about $368,000, jumping roughly 13% over the past 5 years and 38% over the last decade, the ABC News data team found.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 Sep. 2025
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In typical athlete origin story fashion, the first half of the Christy trailer depicts the unpolished, brunette Sweeney as real-life champion Christy Salters Martin slugging it out in practice, training on a beach, and hugging her supportive team.—
Ryan Coleman,
EW.com,
11 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Taking a stroll and admiring fall’s vibrant hues is a quintessential autumn activity — and according to The New York Times, Nashville is one of the best cities to soak in the reds, oranges, and yellows of the beloved season.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
10 Sep. 2025
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The buttons in the front mimic the look of a quintessential office essential — the button-up shirt — and the length and sleeves provide just the right amount of coverage.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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That is, the group enables Hamas to be both arsonist and firefighter, enhancing its control and reach into the lives of average, everyday Palestinians in Gaza.—
Sean Durns,
The Washington Examiner,
12 Sep. 2025
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When users search for flights on Google Flights, the search engine will say if the fares or lower, higher or average for that route.—
Eve Chen,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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The impressive organizational elements also make this option stand out when compared to standard purses.—
Rachel Trujillo,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
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An article from the American Kennel Club (AKC) stated that mini dachshunds weigh about 11 pounds or under, and the standard size is, on average, 16 to 32 pounds.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Ditto the Hammer Studios output of the 1950s and ’60s, Bernie Wrightson’s definitive illustrations of the Creature, oodles of Gothic literature, Roger Corman’s Poe pictures, and Mario Bava’s retina-searing color creep shows.—
David Fear,
Rolling Stone,
9 Sep. 2025
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Forbes today unveils its 44th annual Forbes 400 list, the definitive ranking of the wealthiest Americans.—
Forbes Press Releases,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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Many automakers returned to advertising during the NFL season last year as vehicle inventory levels returned to more normal levels.—
Laya Neelakandan,
CNBC,
10 Sep. 2025
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Her therapist – who Heming Willis accidentally referred to her as her own caregiver – explained how normal these feelings were.—
David Oliver,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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She’s often known as the Queen of Christmas, but tonight Mariah Carey was crowned with Video Vanguard award, given to an artist for their exemplary contributions and impact.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
7 Sep. 2025
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Plus, its image quality is exemplary for its price, with nearly full sRGB color coverage and a sky-high contrast ratio for a budget monitor.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
30 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Archetypal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetypal. Accessed 16 Sep. 2025.
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