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
Fez Platforms: iOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation, Xbox Phil Fish’s seminal platformer still has one of the most satisfying hooks in video games: A 2D cat with the power to give his world depth.
—
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025
The Galli Court referred to a seminal loan characterization case in its analysis: Miller v. Commissioner, 71 T.C.M. (CCH) 1674 (1996).
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Legend’s Historic Chart Run Continues Across all five tallies where Legend currently appears, Marley’s seminal release has already spent hundreds of weeks.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
The seminal moment of the first-round sweep of Phoenix last season was Edwards jawing at Durant, his favorite player, after hitting a shot over him in Game 1.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Joshua Rivera, Vulture, 6 May 2025
The Galli Court referred to a seminal loan characterization case in its analysis: Miller v. Commissioner, 71 T.C.M. (CCH) 1674 (1996).
—Martin Shenkman, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025
Legend’s Historic Chart Run Continues Across all five tallies where Legend currently appears, Marley’s seminal release has already spent hundreds of weeks.
—Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025
The seminal moment of the first-round sweep of Phoenix last season was Edwards jawing at Durant, his favorite player, after hitting a shot over him in Game 1.
—Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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But Means has attracted scrutiny from health professionals over her background and the ire from some on the far-right including activist Laura Loomer, an influential voice for Trump.—
Joey Garrison,
USA Today,
23 May 2025
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Israel’s campaign in Gaza The influential pan-Arab satellite channel Al Jazeera aired on a loop what appeared to be mobile phone footage of the alleged gunman, wearing a suit jacket and slacks, being pulled away after the shooting, his hands behind his back.—
Maya Sweedler,
Los Angeles Times,
22 May 2025
Adjective
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Photo of the day: Chicagoans pack pews to celebrate South Side pope Rome, the ancient city and historic home of the Catholic Church, felt close to the South Side on Sunday as Chicagoans were still grasping the reality that a son of the neighborhood had become pope, the first American ever.—
Jane Onyanga-Omara,
USA Today,
13 May 2025
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From the moment President Donald Trump was sworn into office, his administration has intensified its efforts to deliver on his promise of deporting a historic number of immigrants.—
Annell López,
Time,
12 May 2025
Adjective
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That’s another important component of the foreclosures First Street tracked: areas where home prices are rising tend to avoid falling into distress.—
Andrea Riquier,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Marcella Hazan was an important figure in her day, her recipes always worked and many Americans learned much from her.—
John Mariani,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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With a versatile and emotionally resonant voice, he’s known for delivering the smooth sophistication of jazz and the commanding presence needed for authoritative reads.—
William Jones,
USA Today,
17 May 2025
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When executed well, a strong content strategy creates a consistent, authoritative presence that builds both trust and familiarity, inviting potential clients to take the next step.—
Expert Panel®,
Forbes.com,
14 May 2025
Adjective
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According to George Dimov, CPA, founder and CEO of Dimov Tax, the middle of the year offers a critical but underused window for strategic decisions.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Students are left without the critical education needed when entering the workforce and won’t be equipped with the tools necessary to lead and build organizations that are inclusive and sustainable.—
Janice Gassam Asare,
Forbes.com,
19 May 2025
Adjective
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The three-time major champion, lacking only the Wanamaker Trophy for his major collection, ran off three straight bogeys early on the back nine and shot 76.—
Doug Ferguson,
Chicago Tribune,
16 May 2025
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According to a 2025 report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, roughly 21% of consumers with a credit record were using a buy now, pay later plan from one of six major firms in 2022.—
Melina Khan,
USA Today,
16 May 2025
Adjective
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The groundbreaking announcement was made today at Zentropa’s villa, attended by the collective and Dogma 25’s key partners: Nordisk Film, DR and Nordisk Film Distribution.—
Annika Pham,
Variety,
17 May 2025
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The designer behind the largest redevelopment of a Disney theme park in the company's history is one of the key figures behind the look of its groundbreaking upcoming outpost in Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).—
Caroline Reid,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 25 May. 2025.
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