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
Love and family are highlighted, and new beginnings could feel seminal of a whole new life.
—
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Other seminal works include the Vitra Design museum in Germany (the introduction of his inventive formal language to Europe); the playful Dancing House in Prague; and 8 Spruce Street (or Beekman Tower) in New York City.
—David Sokol, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026
Bob Power, the engineer and producer behind seminal albums by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and De La Soul, has died.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 5 Mar. 2026
Other seminal works include the Vitra Design museum in Germany (the introduction of his inventive formal language to Europe); the playful Dancing House in Prague; and 8 Spruce Street (or Beekman Tower) in New York City.
—David Sokol, Architectural Digest, 4 Mar. 2026
Bob Power, the engineer and producer behind seminal albums by the likes of A Tribe Called Quest, Erykah Badu, D’Angelo, and De La Soul, has died.
—Hattie Lindert, Pitchfork, 3 Mar. 2026
After launching in Europe, the Peel It Back Tour hit the States in early August, treating fans in Oakland, California, to a mix of hits and deep cuts that continue to define their legacy as a seminal force in industrial rock.
—Ed Masley, AZCentral.com, 2 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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On a more personal scale, the legal duel between Burkle and Anderson has become a battle over reputation — as these two influential figures in California politics and business attack each other’s character.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
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Directed by Academy Award winner Morgan Neville, the documentary is described as an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes portrait of the producer who built one of television’s most influential comedy institutions.—
Kennedy French,
Variety,
5 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For an overnight stay, the Cedar Key Bed & Breakfast offers a place to lay your head close to the historic downtown.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Mar. 2026
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My bridal shower will be taking place at a historic inn, on a crystal blue Finger Lake in Upstate New York, at the end of April.—
Alexandra Ditch,
Vogue,
8 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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The Heat will go from facing one of the worst teams in the NBA on Thursday to taking on the hottest team in the league in an important game on Friday.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
6 Mar. 2026
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But — and this is important — computers are tools not workers.—
Culture Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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For the most current information, the official Florida State Parks website serves as the authoritative source.—
Taylor Haught,
Miami Herald,
4 Mar. 2026
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Smits is authoritative as Joe, a man who works tirelessly to protect his family.—
David John Chávez,
Mercury News,
3 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.—
Jackie Flynn Mogensen,
Scientific American,
9 Mar. 2026
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His research reveals that airlines cut costs in critical areas to prop up the dirt-cheap prices.—
Christopher Elliott,
USA Today,
9 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Here's your daily look at traffic on major highways in the Kansas City area.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
6 Mar. 2026
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First of all, that very simple dress meant that every major dress manufacturer had to throw out their designs overnight and come up with a similar design.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
6 Mar. 2026
Adjective
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Created by artist Judy Baca between 1974 and 1984, the mural is a groundbreaking depiction of Southern California history from the viewpoint of women and minorities and a potent national symbol at the intersection of art and activism.—
Jessica Gelt,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
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Utzon won the bid to design the Opera House in 1957, and his groundbreaking modernist creation is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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