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 Looking at elections from 1938 through 1970, his seminal 1978 study found that changes in presidential approval and voters’ real purchasing power were strongly associated with the national vote received by the president’s party. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 3 Sep. 2026 This seminal caper re-teams Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) costars Robert Redford and Paul Newman in a story of two con men taking revenge on the brutal crime boss (Robert Shaw) who murdered their friend. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026 In the 1960s, Steinem embarked on a career as a champion of women’s rights by spotlighting topics like sexuality and reproductive and workplace rights with her seminal journalism. — Tommy McArdle, PEOPLE, 3 Sep. 2026 This seminal period of transformation marked the moment Japan shifted from samurai rule to rapid modernization and Western influence, following centuries of closed borders. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for seminal

Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal

Adjective

Oemis Durruthy, the Cuban national who prosecutors allege is influential among the Cuban diaspora in Moscow, is charged with coordinating travel and payments for the terrorist acts.

— Shirsho Dasgupta, Miami Herald, 16 Sep. 2026
That’s leading officials on the central bank’s influential rate-setting committee toward the first rate hike since 2023, a move designed to cool spending and prevent inflation from becoming more entrenched.

— Matt Stiles, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of influential

Adjective

Their journey to rural Massachusetts to confront a family curse evokes the danger of historic ‘sundown towns,’ where Black travelers were not permitted to be outside past sunset.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
On the third weekend of every month, re-enactors make the Fort’s history come alive with historic demonstrations.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of historic

Adjective

Yet he was accused of failing to do his work as recently as November, detained in a neighboring village over rainfall that disrupted an important ceremony.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 20 Sep. 2026
Maybe the most important thing Jon Sumrall did Saturday night wasn’t beating Auburn.

— Mike Bianchi, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of important

Adjective

If one dominant, highly authoritative article (like a TechRadar review) appears at the top of the search index, my system treats it as the safest, most reliable anchor.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Sep. 2026
In my experience, the most effective long-term approach is ensuring that more recent authoritative sources discuss your company’s current state.

— Victoria Marshall, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of authoritative

Adjective

That makes the vehicle’s capacitors, batteries, and power electronics critical.

— Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2026
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday that Ukraine is ready to halt its strikes on Russian territory if allies can secure a genuine Russian commitment not to hit Ukraine's critical infrastructure.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of critical

Adjective

That led to the Sox leading the majors in relief innings this season and being on a pace to finish with 764 innings, which would rank third in major-league history.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 19 Sep. 2026
In a surprise move, and major upset for competitor Nike, On has inked a deal with Real Madrid forward Kylian Mbappé to be the face of its new football category.

— Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 18 Sep. 2026

Definition of major

Adjective

Yedvab said most groundbreaking technologies benefitting humanity have been made by for-profit companies, albeit often building on academic research.

— Laura Paddison, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2026
Once operational, the groundbreaking facility will establish Hyundai Steel’s first steel production base in North America.

— Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 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 21 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of seminal

adjective

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