quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world

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 quintessential And Dean will be the quintessential Mike, commanding the defense as the green dot. — Sam Warren, New York Times, 31 Aug. 2026 Being wrapped up in a soft cardigan is a quintessential fall feeling, and this budget-friendly staple is likely to spend more time out of your closet than in it this season. — Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Aug. 2026 The timeless shoes are the quintessential everyday style thanks to their low-profile shape, pillowy feel, and outfit-making details. — Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 29 Aug. 2026 The quintessential feminist buddy dramedy stars Susan Sarandon and Geena Davis as besties on a fishing vacation. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

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

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