Synonyms of archetype

archetype

noun

1

as in forerunner

something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed

the abacus is sometimes cited as the archetype of the modern digital calculator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• forerunner
• ancestor
• precursor
• prototype
• predecessor
• antecedent
• model
• original
• grandaddy
• granddaddy
• daddy
• originator
• mother
• foregoer
• sire
• father

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• descendant
• descendent
• derivative
• outgrowth
• offshoot
• by-product
• daughter
• son
• spin-off

2

as in original

something from which copies are made

Beowulf is considered by some scholars to be the archetype for medieval British heroic tales

Synonyms & Similar Words

• original
• prototype
• source
• example
• blueprint
• model
• paradigm
• mold
• pattern
• ideal
• classic
• exemplar
• paragon
• nonpareil
• draft
• beau ideal

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• imitation
• copy
• reproduction
• replica
• forgery
• sham
• counterfeit
• fake

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