as in models
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
in Arthurian legend, Sir Galahad is depicted as the one knight who is a paragon of virtue
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Recent Examples of paragons
Kathleen Hanna fronted punk greats Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, two bands that existed at different times in the evolving (but still sexist) conversation about women and their place in culture, with the musicians often serving as paragons of feminist critique and anguish.
—
Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026
For instance, there is no reason to fear that Canadian, German, or Japanese nuclear weapons would end up in the hands of rogue states or terrorist organizations; all three are paragons of responsibility, state capacity, and domestic stability.
—Moritz S. Graefrath, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2025
What are these paragons of stereotypical gendered behavior to do but exorcise a demon, and embrace an opportunity for personal growth in the process?
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
These crunchy paragons are slightly sweet, sour and properly hot.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2025
Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 21 Feb. 2026
For instance, there is no reason to fear that Canadian, German, or Japanese nuclear weapons would end up in the hands of rogue states or terrorist organizations; all three are paragons of responsibility, state capacity, and domestic stability.
—Moritz S. Graefrath, Foreign Affairs, 19 Nov. 2025
What are these paragons of stereotypical gendered behavior to do but exorcise a demon, and embrace an opportunity for personal growth in the process?
—Alison Willmore, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
These crunchy paragons are slightly sweet, sour and properly hot.
—Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 6 Feb. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paragons
Noun
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However, the models rely heavily on assumptions about Ganymede’s internal chemistry, and scientists still cannot directly observe the moon’s deep interior.—
Rupendra Brahambhatt,
Interesting Engineering,
10 May 2026
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If properly cared for, newer models last around 20 years.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 May 2026
Noun
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As examples go, many clubs in Italy could do worse than follow Sassuolo, particularly at a time when there is so much gloom about the state of the game in the bel paese.—
James Horncastle,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
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Both nations represent the best examples of Western civilization.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
6 May 2026
Noun
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In a county that includes 88 cities, all of which have overlapping and sometimes conflicting ideas, there have been few avenues for reaching consensus.—
National Correspondent,
Los Angeles Times,
7 May 2026
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Those are ideas most Americans — especially people who actually spend time outdoors — can still rally behind.—
Amber Harding OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
7 May 2026
Noun
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In all, 12 Terrells have worked at AT&T or its various incarnations.—
Thomas C. Zambito,
USA Today,
15 Apr. 2026
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There have been several incarnations since, all with shapeshifting powers that transform their drippy clay body structures; all have been adversaries of Batman.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
14 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But lofty ideals need a pragmatic application, in this case, distribution.—
Anna Marie de la Fuente,
Variety,
3 May 2026
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His opponents mostly argue within the same framework, insisting the system should be fairer but still organized around the same ideals.—
Catherina Gioino,
Fortune,
2 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paragons.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paragons. Accessed 11 May. 2026.
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