Synonyms of classic

classic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkla-sik 

1

as in exemplary

constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated

classic designs in furniture that never go out of style

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in excellent

of the very best kind

one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excellent
• wonderful
• great
• lovely
• superb
• beautiful
• terrific
• awesome
• fabulous
• fantastic
• prime
• stellar
• marvelous
• famous
• fine
• hot
• quality
• neat
• cool
• sensational
• heavenly
• slick
• divine
• splendid
• superior
• superlative
• first-class
• high-class
• first-rate
• top
• grand
• brave
• groovy
• exceptional
• top-notch
• top-shelf
• nifty
• good
• noble
• choice
• dandy
• sterling
• par excellence
• cracking
• radical
• topping
• banner
• dynamite
• fab
• blue-chip
• peachy
• too much
• classical
• topflight
• frontline
• immense
• out of this world
• unsurpassed
• blue-ribbon
• crackerjack
• top-of-the-line
• traditional
• bumper
• prize
• keen
• mean
• decent
• righteous
• first-string
• capital
• dope
• boss
• number one
• out-of-sight
• supernal
• primo
• A1
• wizard
• swell
• special
• fantabulous
• bully
• gone
• five-star
• better
• peachy keen
• tip-top
• corking
• gangbusters
• four-star
• bang-up
• hype
• jim-dandy
• prizewinning
• acceptable
• adequate
• gilt-edged
• boffo
• phat
• numero uno
• down
• satisfactory
• bonny
• A-OK
• premium
• brag
• standard
• fancy
• all right
• high-grade
• passable
• tolerable
• OK
• select
• high-test
• superfine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poor
• terrible
• awful
• vile
• pathetic
• lousy
• wretched
• atrocious
• rotten
• bad
• inferior
• unsatisfactory
• execrable
• low-grade
• substandard
• mediocre
• second-class
• middling
• second-rate

3

as in distinctive

serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group

the anthropologist noted the classic facial features of the inhabitants of those islands

Synonyms & Similar Words

• distinctive
• characteristic
• typical
• distinct
• distinguishing
• peculiar
• diagnostic
• individual
• proper
• unmistakable
• identifying
• symptomatic
• usual
• discriminating
• generic
• general
• common
• special
• normal
• specific
• idiosyncratic
• identifiable
• particular
• regular
• pronounced
• archetypal
• paradigmatic
• model
• especial

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

4

as in authoritative

being the most accurate and apparently thorough

the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• authoritative
• classical
• definitive
• comprehensive
• magisterial
• accurate
• official
• conclusive
• decisive
• approved
• correct
• complete
• sanctioned
• exhaustive
• thorough

classic

2 of 2

noun

1

as in model

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation

among women who have devoted themselves to a life of scientific inquiry, Marie Curie is one of the acknowledged classics

Synonyms & Similar Words

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal
• patron saint
• paragon
• pinnacle
• manifestation
• exemplar
• nonpareil
• essence
• beau ideal
• mirror
• nonesuch
• paradigm
• principle
• phantom
• personification
• pink
• eidolon
• role model
• touchstone
• embodiment
• archetype
• guideline
• standard
• epitome
• rule
• pattern
• zenith
• apotheosis
• quintessence
• apex
• culmination
• gauge
• summit
• peak
• acme

2

as in masterpiece

something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement

the works of Michelangelo are regarded as classics of the sculptor's art

Synonyms & Similar Words

• masterpiece
• masterwork
• magnum opus
• showpiece
• chef d'oeuvre
• success
• tour de force
• masterstroke
• blockbuster
• gem
• megahit
• pièce de résistance
• jewel
• treasure
• winner
• prize
• smash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disaster
• failure
• catastrophe
• bomb
• turkey
• loser
• fiasco
• flop
• debacle
• washout
• dud
• clunker
• fizzle

3

as in ideal

the most perfect type or example

his journey of discovery was a classic of arduous effort and fierce determination

Synonyms & Similar Words

• ideal
• model
• incarnation
• manifestation
• perfection
• apotheosis
• quintessence
• exemplar
• epitome
• byword
• beau ideal
• prototype
• zenith
• acme
• paradigm
• standard
• avatar
• archetype
• height
• benchmark
• incorporation
• ultimate
• paragon
• personification
• abstract
• touchstone
• embodiment
• last word
• criterion
• nonpareil
• meridian
• yardstick
• embodier

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of classic

Adjective

Getty Images Joan Blackman, who starred as Elvis Presley’s love interest in his singer’s classic movies Blue Hawaii and Kid Galahad, has died. — Tim Lammers, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026

Especially the experimental Wooster theater group Dafoe founded in 1975, which stripped apart classic texts in the modern age with raw, physical performances. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 6 Aug. 2026

Noun

The ongoing explosion of revival screenings in Los Angeles is an opportunity not just to revisit accepted classics, but also to give a spotlight to undersung oddball picks deserving of broader attention. — Mark Olsen, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2026

Her early roles include noughties classics like The House Bunny and Sorority Row—although her debut technically came with a role in her mother’s film Now and Then at just 5 years old. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 6 Aug. 2026