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.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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
Worship music gained traction in the late ’70s and ’80s, when seminal CCM songwriters like Rich Mullins modernized the classic Protestant hymnal structure by combining it with the aesthetics of modern Black gospel, emphasizing a soaring, anthemic rock chorus that everyone could sing along to.
—
Aja Romano, Vox, 8 July 2025
This seminal horror/sci-fi series follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) in a specialized unit investigating the inexplicable.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Perhaps the seminal onscreen coke joke was Woody Allen’s sneezing into a bag of uncut powder in 1977’s Annie Hall.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
The seminal homeware line won’t be the only novelty at Plan C Frame.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Aja Romano, Vox, 8 July 2025
This seminal horror/sci-fi series follows FBI agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) in a specialized unit investigating the inexplicable.
—Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 3 July 2025
Perhaps the seminal onscreen coke joke was Woody Allen’s sneezing into a bag of uncut powder in 1977’s Annie Hall.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
The seminal homeware line won’t be the only novelty at Plan C Frame.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 8 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
-
For decades since then, Argentinian artists like José Muñoz have been among the most important and influential cartoonists in the world.—
Alex Dueben
July 21,
Literary Hub,
21 July 2025
-
After all, such influential MAGA voices as Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon had been insisting for years that Epstein's suicide was suspicious and his powerful associates hidden.—
USA Today,
USA Today,
20 July 2025
Adjective
-
Willis Show Bar, located in Detroit's historic Cass Corridor, is temporarily closing its doors for the remainder of the summer, citing rising operational costs in a post on Facebook.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
The three-level, 20,000-square-foot Tm:rw store, opening July 29, is located in the historic Candler Building at 220 West 42nd Street.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Another important preventative measure athletes can take is preparing for life after sport.—
Brook Choulet,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Other regional universities — Illinois (UIUC), Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State and Purdue — also do important fusion research.—
Kathleen Gallagher,
jsonline.com,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Future View Of Mentorship Looking ahead, the role of mentors in fostering innovation will become even more critical and nuanced.—
David Henkin,
Forbes.com,
16 July 2025
-
Most recently garnering critical acclaim for her starring role opposite Nicholas Hoult and Bill Skarsgård in Robert Eggers’ Nosferatu, Depp is repped by CAA, Markham, Froggatt & Irwin, Agence Adequat, and Lichter, Grossman, Nichols.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
15 July 2025
Adjective
-
That announcement largely cleared the field of major potential challengers to Rogers.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
-
In 1947: President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act 1947, a major piece of legislation that restructured many of the country’s military and intelligence institutions.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
The lights, smoke, video screens, levers and pulleys that went into recreating the movie’s groundbreaking special effects were worth every penny.—
Jed Gottlieb,
Boston Herald,
13 July 2025
-
Since the commencement of the picture wall’s restoration, a truly groundbreaking project, the initiative is set to finally conclude towards the tail-end of this year, after seven laborious years.—
Sonya Rehman,
Forbes.com,
12 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share