1
as in delegate
a person who acts or does business for another
a representative from the car dealership called to ask how we were enjoying the new car
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in ambassador
a person sent on a mission to represent another
I speak on this matter as a representative of the people of the U.S.
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like
this song is a fairly good representative of the other songs on the album
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind
a representative example of what that talented chef can do with even simple ingredients
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in symbolical
having the function or meaning of an object or figure that stands for something else
a red cross on this map is representative of a hospital or other medical facility
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of representative
Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
As the primary oversight bodies in federal agencies, Offices of Inspector General are taxpayer representatives on the inside.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Yokote, representative director of Blueground Japan, says sustainability — best exemplified by the concept of mottainai, which emphasizes avoiding waste — has been part of Japanese society for centuries.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for representative
Noun
On May 11, 1894, workers at the Pullman Palace Car Company in Chicago went on strike to protest wage cuts and the dismissal of union representatives.
—Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean, 11 Aug. 2025
As the primary oversight bodies in federal agencies, Offices of Inspector General are taxpayer representatives on the inside.
—Ross Rosenfeld, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Aug. 2025
Adjective
LaCava, whose District 1 also includes La Jolla and PB, does not support the bill, according to representative Joaquin Quintero.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 July 2025
Yokote, representative director of Blueground Japan, says sustainability — best exemplified by the concept of mottainai, which emphasizes avoiding waste — has been part of Japanese society for centuries.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 27 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for representative
Recent Examples of Synonyms for representative
Noun
-
One by one, delegates at the United Nations expressed support for a new panel of scientists who would advise countries on how to address chemicals and toxic waste.—
Lisa Song,
ProPublica,
7 Aug. 2025
-
During the Honolulu convention, delegates unanimously passed a resolution to advocate for this federal incentive.—
Katie Kilkenny,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The ambassador to Austria-Hungary, Addison Harris, bought the property in 1880.—
John Tuohy,
IndyStar,
14 Aug. 2025
-
Jisoo officially joined Self-Portrait as an ambassador in March 2024, prior to her starring roles in the 2024 and 2025 pre-fall campaigns.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
14 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
American Airlines, for example, is working with the FAA to develop more fuel efficient routes for its flights.—
Zach Wichter,
USA Today,
18 Aug. 2025
-
This is why schools should explain their AI policies in plain language, provide examples of responsible use, and offer resources for parents who want to support responsible AI use at home.—
Sarah Hernholm,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Speed: Choose a plan with enough download and upload speed for your typical use.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
19 Aug. 2025
-
David Raya came and collected a corner with typical calmness, using a quick throw to release Martin Odegaard into a four-on-four counter-attack.—
James McNicholas,
New York Times,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
As the girl turned to walk away, the deputy then tried to grab her hair, Muir said.—
Killian Baarlaer,
The Courier-Journal,
12 Aug. 2025
-
When the deputy approached the car, a strong odor of cannabis wafted from inside.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
12 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Russia's delegation includes only a few members of Putin's inner circle, with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Defense Minister Andrei Belousov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov and Kirill Dmitriev, Russia's investment and trade envoy, as well as Ushakov.—
Holly Ellyatt,
CNBC,
15 Aug. 2025
-
The two world leaders met for about three hours alongside senior Russian and U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and special envoy Steve Witkoff, and two Russian aides.—
The Hill,
The Hill,
15 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Sanders is self-funding the production of her initial samples and prototypes, but hopes to raise at least $2 million and have her 10-piece collection ready for launch in 2026.—
Celia Fernandez,
CNBC,
16 Aug. 2025
-
The pocket-sized biosensor quickly and accurately detects breast cancer by measuring biomarkers in saliva samples.—
Cindy Krischer Goodman,
Sun Sentinel,
15 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
What once felt like science fiction is soon going to become totally normal.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
22 Aug. 2025
-
But these are not normal times — especially for Casey Wasserman.—
Peter Kiefer,
HollywoodReporter,
21 Aug. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Representative.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/representative. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share