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 The Beatles’ next release in their ongoing Super Deluxe series is their seminal 1965 album Rubber Soul. — Alex Suskind, Pitchfork, 29 July 2026 Two years after Apple TV announced production on the first-ever series adaptation of William Gibson’s seminal 1984 novel Neuromancer, the lucky few hundred who attended the studio’s Hall H panel at Comic-Con 2026 got to watch the first teaser. — Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 2026 The seminal former record label, based in Manchester, launched the likes of band Joy Division and ran the famous Haçienda nightclub, on the site of which stand apartments today. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 18 July 2026 The Seneca Falls Convention began on July 19, 1848, a seminal moment for the women's suffrage movement. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for seminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal

Adjective

Another throughline for popular progressive candidates is the backing of Hasan Piker, who has become one of the most influential voices in the current wave of democratic socialist victories.

— Mikayla Price, CBS News, 5 Aug. 2026
Graves, who chairs the influential House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, has been hailed for bringing money back to Kansas City and his district, but also faced criticism for being unavailable to constituents.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of influential

Adjective

The Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs will follow in early July and then the series will shift to historic Saratoga for the Jim Dandy Stakes (late July, early August) and Travers Stakes (late August).

— Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
These pictorial cards also capture scenes along the Fox River, as well as schools, churches, hotels, historic buildings, bridges, the railroad, events and celebrations.

— Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 5 Aug. 2026

Definition of historic

Adjective

That’s important for Cyprus because under an existing agreement, Cypriot energy consumers would have to put up as much as 63% of the cable’s construction cost, meaning a significant jump in electricity prices.

— ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
As artificial intelligence revolutionizes how tasks are completed, many people are pleading their cases for why their jobs are important.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 9 Aug. 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

The answer is independent and continuous trust signals from authoritative organizations, devices, communications networks and other independently verifiable anchors.

— Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Legal experts say the judgment is likely to strengthen the position of applicants whose claims were rejected solely because of the Minor Issue and provide authoritative guidance to judges handling pending cases.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 July 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

With the 2028 Olympics on the horizon, du Plessis views this as a critical, yet temporary, opportunity to transform cricket into a mainstream American sport, stressing that success demands proactive vision.

— Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2026
As in the maritime domain, AI governance is becoming the new frontier of a Cold War-style contest between China and the US, which both sides see as critical to their national security and prosperity.

— Andy Browne, semafor.com, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

The cushion cut cocktail rings give major Taylor energy, which is why they're beloved by Swifties and beyond.

— ABC News, ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026
Speraw highlights women's volleyball as America's largest girls' team sport, yet commercially underdeveloped, presenting a huge opportunity for growth and major sponsorship.

— Tim Genske, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

While the film has since been celebrated as a groundbreaking story centered on female friendship and independence, Davis remembers that many early reactions were far less supportive.

— Tereza Shkurtaj, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026
On a bittersweet note, Lynne Marie Stewart, who played Miss Yvonne on the groundbreaking Saturday-morning TV show Pee Wee’s Playhouse, plays one of your pickleball friends in the film.

— Sean Gregory, Time, 23 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 10 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of seminal

adjective

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