paradigmatic

adjective

Definition of paradigmaticnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated a paradigmatic essay in which the writer presents his point of view clearly and engagingly

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 paradigmatic In the most American of stories, the Idaho potato, forming half of the paradigmatic American meal (a burger and fries), only became a paradigm when gold was discovered in Idaho in 1860. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 3 June 2026 This is perhaps a paradigmatic example of how AI can be useful today. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026 Through it all, the 55-year-old former Fed governor exudes a confidence that is the antithesis of Harry Truman's paradigmatic two-handed economist — qualities that seemed to attract the president and might be essential in his effort to reform the staid Federal Reserve. — Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 The Holocaust may be the paradigmatic genocide. — Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 Will speaking characters into action be a novelty or a mainstay — a paradigmatic way of interacting with screens or just a passing diversion that will turn this deal cringe in short order? — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Dec. 2025 The paradigmatic helicopter parent hovered from a distance and in most cases didn’t follow their child to college. — Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 The 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda became the paradigmatic example, prosecuted at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and recognized by the UN Security Council. — Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Though beloved by many straight men for the wrong reasons, the central character in American Psycho — a movie directed by a woman, written by a woman, and based on a novel written by a gay man — has always been paradigmatic of repressed same-sex desire. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradigmatic
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. archetypal
  4. quintessential
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
  7. perfect
  8. model
Adjective
  • If suede is more your style, these naturally water-resistant loafers are a classic pick.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Porta platters, Emporio Sirenuse dipping bowls, classic Christofle silver, Guy Degrenne all-purpose wine glasses for wine, water, and spritzes.
    — Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The designation for a fire agency is touted as the highest possible Public Protection Classification (PPC) score awarded by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that indicate exemplary public fire protection and operational readiness.
    — Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • The Soviet Union was an archetypal fragile superpower, its red star burning bright before its dramatic final implosion.
    — Ben Bland, semafor.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Still, the archetypal influencer in our cultural imagination is not a man reviewing watches on YouTube or hosting a podcast from his studio in Austin.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • This year’s whirlwind press tours, however, have brought standout footwear looks both within and beyond her realm of quintessential stiletto pumps.
    — Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • This quintessential college campus from the 19th century is where a group of business, college and government leaders is working on the task of reinventing higher education for the 21st century.
    — Jon Marcus, NPR, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of quintessential
Adjective
  • Graf also reiterated that his ruling was not a definitive finding of guilt, which will have to be determined by a jury during a future trial.
    — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Roman could also provide the first definitive proof of exomoons, or moons orbiting exoplanets.
    — Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Wrigley Field is a perfect setting for a rom-com, since many young fans are looking for romance and not paying a whole lot of attention to the actual game.
    — Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • Initial deliveries will begin in South Korea in late 2026, followed by an official rollout to the United States, UK, Europe, and Australian markets in the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model-year vehicle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • This 2025 model-year car starts at $230,500—nearly $46,000 more—and comes to $289,585 as tested.
    — Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of model

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Paradigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradigmatic. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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