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 that seminal kung fu film’s climactic scene, Lee and Norris’ characters face off inside the Colosseum in Rome.
—
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
The seminal comic, a Batman tale that ended up reshaping the comics medium, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
Surprisingly, this is the first TV adaptation of Golding’s seminal novel, though it was made as a film in 1963 by Peter Brook; in 1975 as a Filipino survival pic; and in 1990 by Harry Hook.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
In 2018, Jordan Peele became the first Black screenwriter to win the award for his seminal social horror film Get Out.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Daniel Arkin, NBC news, 20 Mar. 2026
The seminal comic, a Batman tale that ended up reshaping the comics medium, is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
—Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 20 Mar. 2026
Surprisingly, this is the first TV adaptation of Golding’s seminal novel, though it was made as a film in 1963 by Peter Brook; in 1975 as a Filipino survival pic; and in 1990 by Harry Hook.
—Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2026
In 2018, Jordan Peele became the first Black screenwriter to win the award for his seminal social horror film Get Out.
—Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 16 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
-
Some of the world’s wealthiest and most influential people remain deadset on leaving Earth behind for a new life in outer space.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
26 Mar. 2026
-
Midfielder Lasse Berg Johnsen is already influential in orchestrating the offense.—
PJ Green,
Kansas City Star,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The historic building was built in 1904.—
Brayden Garcia,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Mar. 2026
-
But Friday’s matchup brought back memories from last season’s first-round playoff series between the two teams that ended in historic humilation for the Heat.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
28 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The Shah’s Western orientation extended to culture, and a wide range of artistically important international films could be seen in Tehran, in time including those of the French New Wave.—
Richard Brody,
New Yorker,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Past wars have not been dictated by the operating hours of the NYSE, but in this presidential worldview, there is no more important constraint.—
Jeffrey Sonnenfeld,
Fortune,
26 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Francis ordered the Argentine criteria published as an official act of the Vatican and wrote a letter to the bishops declaring their interpretation authoritative.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
19 Mar. 2026
-
With an authoritative and rich baritone voice, Orion Samuelson delivered critical information for farmers across the Midwest during a 60-year career as WGN-AM radio’s agribusiness reporter.—
Bob Goldsborough,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Millions of Americans enrolled in Medicare Advantage are approaching a critical deadline that could have long-lasting financial consequences.—
Amanda Greenwood,
MSNBC Newsweek,
31 Mar. 2026
-
For Iranian athletes who play in domestic-league games that aren’t broadcast internationally, the World Cup serves as a critical launchpad to impress international scouts.—
Albert Samaha,
New Yorker,
31 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
27 Mar. 2026
-
Being honest with yourself before making major purchases should protect your long-term stability.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
-
The groundbreaking docuseries will share untold stories from past contestants and employees.—
Katie Decker-Jacoby,
StyleCaster,
18 Mar. 2026
-
Faith Dickey certainly could have decided to ride the wave of her bold and groundbreaking feats.—
The Editors,
Outside,
18 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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