epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing
Synonyms of epitomize

transitive verb

1
: to serve as the typical or ideal example of
Memorial Day might be the unofficial start to summer, but the Fourth of July is the holiday that most epitomizes it.—Chris Morris
2
: to make or give an epitome of

Synonyms of epitomize

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Examples of epitomize in a Sentence

This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools. his personal code of behavior on the playing field is epitomized by his favorite saying, “Nice guys finish last”
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Curry is famous for pioneering the ‘total look’ shadeless luminaire, epitomized by the Stemlite. — Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 2 Sep. 2026 With its fountains and patios, its spare ornament and spatial poetry, Clavijero epitomizes the idiosyncratic regionalist style that flourished here in the 1920s. — Michael Snyder, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026 No sector has epitomized the image of easy come, easy go employment quite like tech. — Matthew Bidwell, Fortune, 28 Aug. 2026 If tennis then had an image as exclusive, white, and stuffy, the West Side Tennis Club epitomized it. — Ben Ryder Howe, Curbed, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epitomize

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitomize was in 1594

Rhymes for epitomize

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Browse Nearby Words

epitomist
epitomize
epitomizer
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Cite this Entry

“Epitomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitomize. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

epitomize

verb
epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing
: to make or serve as an epitome of
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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