textbook 1 of 2

adjective

Definition of textbooknext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated a textbook example of a film that captures the feel of the novel on which it is based

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

textbook

2 of 2

noun

ˈteks(t)-ˌbu̇k How to pronounce textbook (audio)
as in handbook
a book used for instruction in a subject one shelf in my bookcase is crammed full of my old college textbooks

Synonyms & Similar 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 textbook
Adjective
Guyton, the second Black woman to host A Capitol Fourth after Vanessa Williams, recognizes that her own swift and dramatic rise to stardom after years of dues-paying and nearly quitting performing entirely is a textbook American success story. — Scott Huver, PEOPLE.com, 1 July 2022 At the same time, solutions borrowed from textbook European nation-states are unlikely to serve us well. — Samuel Goldman, The Week, 22 Sep. 2021
Noun
Al Gore, had been arrested in Maine and that the details of the arrest had never before been made public was a textbook preelection stunner. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026 Muchova’s outfit is textbook sportswear, designed for comfort and movement rather than fashion statement. — Merlisa Lawrence Corbett, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for textbook
Recent Examples of Synonyms for textbook
  1. classic
  2. handbook
  3. exemplary
  4. text
  5. model
  6. manual
  7. definitive
Adjective
  • Beyond the operational improvements Danaher is famous for, there is a classic David-versus-Goliath story waiting in the wings that could hand Danaher and investors a nice kicker.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • The Hailey Jeans, which launched today, include denim staples in two characteristically relaxed fits—two fresh takes on the brand’s classic jeans styles, taking inspiration from her favorite vintage Gap pairs.
    — Sophie Donovan, Glamour, 16 July 2026
Definition of classic
Noun
  • Some schools put their handbooks and admissions policies online.
    — Mollie Simon, ProPublica, 16 July 2026
  • By referencing the federal FMLA baseline and deferring to applicable state law for employees with greater rights, employee handbooks can absorb each new development without a revision cycle.
    — Jennifer Morehead, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026
Definition of handbook
Adjective
  • The parents, represented by the law firm Rosen Saba, demand a jury trial, exemplary and punitive damages and civil and statutory penalties.
    — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026
  • This form makes the book startlingly original, an exemplary modernist novel in its redefinition of storytelling.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026
Definition of exemplary
Noun
  • Although the text of the agreements hasn't been made public, the administration began announcing the pacts in the fall, starting with Pfizer.
    — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 16 July 2026
  • Buddhist texts often present meditation as a way of confronting uncertainty, grief, mortality and impermanence.
    — Ronald S. Green, The Conversation, 16 July 2026
Definition of text
Adjective
  • The Act turns those concerns into model-weight security, critical safety incident reporting, support for open-source maintainers and research security.
    — Paulo Carvão, Forbes.com, 1 July 2026
  • Other model-specific details include Union Jacks embossed onto the sun visors, an Earls Court 1951 logo stitched into the headrests, and a wooden gear shifter.
    — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 June 2026
Definition of model
Noun
  • Shifting baseline syndrome has a clinical ring to it, like something from psychiatry’s official manual of mental disorders.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 July 2026
  • Two-year-old golden retriever Ruthie placed her paw on an Illinois law manual as she was sworn in as a support dog for Burke's office.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 13 July 2026
Definition of manual
Adjective
  • The letter of intent remains non-binding, and there is no guarantee the parties will reach a definitive agreement.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 10 July 2026
  • For an album that feels like a major artistic statement, almost none of the songs have a single definitive version.
    — Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026
Definition of definitive

Browse Nearby Words

text
textbook
textbooks
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Cite this Entry

“Textbook.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/textbook. Accessed 21 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on textbook

Nglish: Translation of textbook for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about textbook

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