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
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Recent Examples of seminal
And Hatchet was such a seminal survival story growing up.
—
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
The examination of the seminal band hosts its world premiere earlier in June at Tribeca Festival.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
His work with fellow Italian Bertolucci is considered one of the most seminal filmmaking partnerships in history.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 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
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
The examination of the seminal band hosts its world premiere earlier in June at Tribeca Festival.
—Matthew Carey, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026
His work with fellow Italian Bertolucci is considered one of the most seminal filmmaking partnerships in history.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 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
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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In the new research, when other influential factors were considered, only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained linked with a higher risk of ADHD.—
Kristen Rogers,
CNN Money,
14 May 2026
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This highly influential early 19th century poetry collection seems to sit comfortably among Yoo’s work.—
Diana Arterian,
Literary Hub,
14 May 2026
Adjective
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This historic settlement reflects an institutional and fundamental cultural shift away from radical ‘gender’ ideology.—
Robert McGreevy,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
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Not only is Benyamin’s graduation historic for the university, but his educational accomplishments are rare.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2026
Adjective
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The promises made and attacks scattered like buckshot on the San Francisco soundstage all seem much less important than the numbers that show up in opinion polls between now and Election Day.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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This is especially important for low-income communities and others who rely heavily on the shot for contraception.—
Voice of the People,
New York Daily News,
15 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.—
Eleanor Pringle,
Fortune,
13 May 2026
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Dick Cable was known for his booming, authoritative voice.—
Graham Womack,
Sacbee.com,
9 May 2026
Adjective
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Morton was critical in helping the Broncos reach their first-ever playoff appearance, ultimately getting them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 campaign.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
12 May 2026
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When the war started, governments scrambled to adapt to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for energy flowing to Asia.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
Adjective
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The Jaguars will play at Camping World Stadium in Orlando in 2027 while their home field, EverBank Stadium, undergoes major renovations.—
Scott Turick,
The Orlando Sentinel,
15 May 2026
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James Ward During the debate, Republican Steve Hilton vowed to restart offshore oil drilling in California — a proposal that conflicts with decades of state policy shaped by major oil spills and strict coastal protections.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
15 May 2026
Adjective
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The idea that this won’t be rare — at least for him — much longer, is what makes this feel so groundbreaking.—
Jared Weiss,
New York Times,
9 May 2026
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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
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 17 May. 2026.
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