as in influential
very important especially in having a strong influence on things that come later
She authored several seminal papers that are frequently cited in later works because they laid the theoretical groundwork for future studies.
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Recent Examples of seminal
There were plenty of theatrics staged at center field, including McCartney performing a virtual duet with John Lennon at their seminal rooftop show.
—
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
Poe’s seminal works include The Blank Generation (1976), The Foreigner (1978) and Subway Riders (1981).
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2025
Dorfman was a seminal figure in the sports psychology and mental skills field.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
Floyer almost immediately proved herself a master of producing maximum impact via minimal means, as embodied for example by her seminal 1994 work Light, a single unlit bulb hung from the ceiling and illuminated by four surrounding slide projectors.
—News Desk, Artforum, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Miguel Otárola, Denver Post, 29 Dec. 2025
Poe’s seminal works include The Blank Generation (1976), The Foreigner (1978) and Subway Riders (1981).
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 26 Dec. 2025
Dorfman was a seminal figure in the sports psychology and mental skills field.
—Hannah Keyser, CNN Money, 21 Dec. 2025
Floyer almost immediately proved herself a master of producing maximum impact via minimal means, as embodied for example by her seminal 1994 work Light, a single unlit bulb hung from the ceiling and illuminated by four surrounding slide projectors.
—News Desk, Artforum, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
-
The death of former Vice President Dick Cheney earlier this week has evoked divisive reflections across the United States toward one of Washington's most influential figures of the century.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Political contacts In the late-1990s and 2000s, while Itera was reporting billions in annual revenue, the company cultivated relationships with influential politicians.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
7 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Some nearby residents, including Sue Weston — the owner of Weston Gardens in Bloom, a historic garden located on Anglin Drive — have expressed fierce opposition to the data center.—
Emily Holshouser,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The 111 line-of-duty deaths in 2025 represent a near-historic low.—
Center Square,
The Washington Examiner,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Tire tread depth - Checking your tire tread before hitting the road is important, as low or no tread can lead to sliding.—
NC Weather Bot,
Charlotte Observer,
9 Nov. 2025
-
While collective structure and movements are really important for Perez’s teams, his players must actively think about each decision on the pitch, not just robotically follow instructions from the coaching staff.—
Dermot Corrigan,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Her authoritative reporting and industry knowledge help readers and listeners better understand the space and inform critical business decisions.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
-
Rather than advancing a single authoritative narrative, the exhibition creates space for inquiry, encouraging visitors to reflect on how beliefs are formed, how digital systems influence perception, and how imagination reshapes memory and identity.—
Devon Akmon,
Washington Post,
6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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This trend accelerated in December as the flag state emerged as a critical shield against drone strikes and vessel seizures.—
Emma Bussey,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
-
The musical movies have received critical acclaim, and the second film earned five total nominations at this year's Globes — one more than the 2025 Golden Globes.—
Charna Flam,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Obviously, injuries are playing a major factor, but will the Sabres even be able to stay afloat until the lineup is fully healthy?—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
Adjective
-
Wanting your home to feel more custom and less cookie-cutter isn't a new or groundbreaking ambition.—
Tessa Cooper,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Jan. 2026
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Additional evidence could be in hand, waiting to be identified, researchers suggest, and with it 2026 could be set for more groundbreaking revelations.—
Katie Hunt,
CNN Money,
26 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.
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