SEMINAL Synonyms: 74 Similar and Opposite Words

seminal

adjective

Definition of seminal

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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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 seminal Still, Catfish remains a seminal text in the (shockingly easy) art of curating an entirely fictional online ecosystem. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026 Those types of seminal moments were what Jones had in mind with the design and building of a stadium that opened in 2009 and in barely more than five years had hosted a Super Bowl and NCAA championship games in football and men's basketball. — ABC News, 14 July 2026 In his seminal essay within its pages, Locke framed and contextualized what was happening. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 Even if many people remain ignorant of 1898 and its seminal role in undemocratizing American democracy, its legacy is closer to a cipher than a secret. — CBS News, 12 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal

Adjective

In March, at a town hall meeting hosted by the Washington Avenue Business Improvement District, some influential Beach figures sharply questioned whether the zoning benefits would be sufficiently generous to lure developers.

— Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 22 July 2026
Vinod is now widely regarded as one of the most influential innovators and investors in Silicon Valley.

— Nicki Jhabvala, New York Times, 22 July 2026

Definition of influential

Adjective

The storm system that caused historic flooding in West Virginia Tuesday into Wednesday and wreaked havoc from the Ohio Valley to the East Coast will linger across Virginia and the Southeast through the end of the week.

— Briana Waxman, CNN Money, 23 July 2026
For many, its mix of Victorian-era architecture and historic landmarks is worth the trip alone.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 July 2026

Definition of historic

Adjective

Other issues important to him are allocating more money for the state’s infrastructure and funding for schools, according to his campaign website.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
But the details are important, and the realization that not everything may be working efficiently or correctly.

— Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

The consensus is that for critical business functions, success depends on rigorously validated, specialized AI tailored to specific workflows, rather than broad, general-purpose solutions.

— TerDawn DeBoe, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
Instead, most Republicans stood firm in a critical hearing with an administration waging a hugely unpopular war, while Democrats highlighted the gap between its premature victory laps and the current stalemate.

— Arpita Dasika, CNN Money, 22 July 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

Yaks breed notoriously slowly, with females birthing just four or five offspring in their lifetime – a major challenge for their long-term survival.

— Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 25 July 2026
The district, established in 1992, well after the Voting Rights Act, to help ensure Black voting power, is in the process of a major transition of leadership as Congresswoman Frederica Wilson winds down her final term.

— Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 25 July 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

Brandy starred in Rodgers & Hammerstein’s 1997 TV film — a groundbreaking role which marked the first Black Cinderella— with Houston acting as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother and co-producing the film.

— Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
Norman Lear's All in the Family was, and remains, one of television's most groundbreaking sitcoms.

— Skyler Trepel, Entertainment Weekly, 12 July 2026

Definition of groundbreaking

Browse Nearby Words

semimonthly

seminal

seminar

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“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 27 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of seminal

adjective

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