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
His work with fellow Italian Bertolucci is considered one of the most seminal filmmaking partnerships in history.
—
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flynn’s seminal memoir, which was adapted into a film starring Robert DeNiro, recently celebrated twenty years in print.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The next three weeks could be Aston Villa’s seminal period under Unai Emery, with the opportunity to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
When Benedict Nicolson published a seminal monograph on the artist in 1968, his subtitle was Painter of Light.
—Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flynn’s seminal memoir, which was adapted into a film starring Robert DeNiro, recently celebrated twenty years in print.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The next three weeks could be Aston Villa’s seminal period under Unai Emery, with the opportunity to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
When Benedict Nicolson published a seminal monograph on the artist in 1968, his subtitle was Painter of Light.
—Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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Over the past five weeks, Rubio, Sessions and influential GOP lobbyist Brian Ballard testified at the foreign-agent trial.—
Miami Herald,
Miami Herald,
30 Apr. 2026
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The movie took in $248M global and became one of the most successful and influential horror movies ever.—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, contains historic butterfly gardens and flora native to the Florida Keys, Cuba and the Caribbean.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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Set the scene In the heart of Center City, W Philadelphia adds a dash of style to the city’s historic landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Later, Mercury in Aries aligns with Chiron, opening the door for honest conversations that can repair something important.—
Tarot.com,
New York Daily News,
1 May 2026
-
Sleep stages differ in important ways, Monika Schönauer, a sleep researcher at the University of Freiburg, who wasn’t involved in the study, told me.—
Shayla Love,
New Yorker,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
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Denver landed an authoritative punch in the second and third quarters of Game 1 to open this playoff series against the Timberwolves.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Dozens of nations push for reopening of strait Dozens of nations repeated calls to open the critical waterway in a joint statement led by Bahrain.—
Samy Magdy,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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Those increases are being driven in part by global supply concerns, including ongoing tensions involving Iran and uncertainty surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil shipments.—
Sergio Candido,
CBS News,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Jayson Tatum also suffered an apparent calf injury, which is a major concern for a player just under a year removed from an Achilles injury.—
Dan Santaromita,
New York Times,
1 May 2026
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In dozens of markets, including San Diego and Sacramento, Nexstar would own multiple major TV network affiliates.—
Meg James,
Los Angeles Times,
1 May 2026
Adjective
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Miami-Dade County commissioners are fond of heaping praise on the Miami Center for Mental Health and Rehabilitation, calling it a groundbreaking facility that will save lives and likely save the county millions of dollars.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
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Liu's lead role in the movie marked a groundbreaking moment for Asian representation in Hollywood.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
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