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
In the half-century since its release, Steven Spielberg's seminal Jaws has been celebrated, parodied, imitated, mythologized, and even demonized, with many — including Spielberg himself — blaming the film for the decimation of the shark population.
—
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and producer Andrew Macdonald launched 28 Years Later, the latest addition to their seminal zombie franchise, last night in London.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 June 2025
Now, the Italian jeweler is going back to its beauty roots, reissuing the seminal fragrance and its sister scent Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc — introduced in 2003 — as part of its new strategy for the category, which has seen the brand rationalizing both its offering and distribution.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
In a 2004 seminal study by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 82% of high school and college students reported lying to their parents on a major issue at least once in the past year.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Randall Colburn, EW.com, 20 June 2025
Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and producer Andrew Macdonald launched 28 Years Later, the latest addition to their seminal zombie franchise, last night in London.
—Zac Ntim, Deadline, 19 June 2025
Now, the Italian jeweler is going back to its beauty roots, reissuing the seminal fragrance and its sister scent Eau Parfumée au Thé Blanc — introduced in 2003 — as part of its new strategy for the category, which has seen the brand rationalizing both its offering and distribution.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 17 June 2025
In a 2004 seminal study by the Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 82% of high school and college students reported lying to their parents on a major issue at least once in the past year.
—Eric Wood, Forbes.com, 15 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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All of this is to say: fitness is the biggest influential player for the Dutch.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
28 June 2025
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Involve influential stakeholders right from the start.—
Apurva Wadodkar,
Forbes.com,
27 June 2025
Adjective
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Dip in and out of buildings like the Estes-Winn Antique Car Museum to see a collection of rare historic automobiles and The Grovewood Gallery, which represents over 350 artists from across the country.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
29 June 2025
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The San Juan Center purchased another piece of the historic block late last year at 1301 Main, known for its former tenant, Salvin Shoes.—
Kenneth R. Gosselin,
Hartford Courant,
29 June 2025
Adjective
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The threat of Bezos, and the more existential threats posed by capitalism and the government mean that the interests of booksellers and the literal work of book selling is more important than ever.—
James Folta,
Literary Hub,
24 June 2025
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The Ability To Respond, Not React There are many important skills that top-notch leaders have in common, such as emotional intelligence, active listening, vision and so on.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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Others believe Wilcox to be among the most impressive operators at his level, appreciating his unassuming but authoritative manner.—
Laurie Whitwell,
New York Times,
20 June 2025
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Another authoritative industry figure who presented at Gem Genève was Rui Galopim de Carvalho, FGA, DGA, author of Gempedia: A Comprehensive Glossary For Gemstones and Gemmology.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2025
Adjective
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The honorees will receive grants of up to $110,000 annually for up to five years to conduct research on critical topics in neuroscience, cancer, immunology and pain.—
Noah Lyons,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
24 June 2025
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While uncertainty is an inevitable part of the industry, consulting firms have an enormous opportunity to rise above disruption by aligning their strategies with three critical focus areas: innovation, operational efficiency and a people-first mindset.—
Amy Bjarnason,
Forbes.com,
24 June 2025
Adjective
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April 2025 The Six of Swords: There is major transition and movement afoot for you this month, Libra.—
Meghan Rose,
Glamour,
1 July 2025
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In Europe, the Stoxx 600 is up 6.7%, and in Asia, most major markets are in positive territory, with Hong Kong and South Korea posting a whopping 20% gain year to date.—
Lim Hui Jie,
CNBC,
1 July 2025
Adjective
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Fans of the beloved rock group rushed to pick up the anniversary edition of the groundbreaking set, and sales skyrocketed.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
21 June 2025
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With groundbreaking representation, unprecedented season hauls, and potential new records, here are 14 significant milestones that could be achieved when the nominations are announced, possibly paving the way for historic wins.—
Clayton Davis,
Variety,
20 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
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