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 Born in Brooklyn to Italian immigrant parents and raised in the Bronx on March 30, 1933, Appignani embodied the quintessential American success story. — Sergio R. Bustos, Miami Herald, 15 Oct. 2026 The perfumer who created it, Olivia Giacobetti, is also the nose behind Diptyque’s Philosykos, a scent regularly name-checked as the quintessential fig perfume. — April Long, Allure, 12 Oct. 2026 As things happen, Parker reports, playing Eddie in Fool for Love led to the agent Gene Parseghian sending Willis to audition for a part in that quintessential ’80s film starring Rosanna Arquette and Madonna, Desperately Seeking Susan. — Sam Kashner, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026 The property’s location is quintessential to the outdoor activities that the Omni offers. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 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
  • Ahead of rocking the Pond with its classic hits, the famed norteño band brought its signature sound and activism to NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert.
    — Carlos De Loera, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
  • No list of books about Renaissance Venice (and its relations with Jews) would be complete without Brian Pullan’s classic study.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Setting the standard for luxury with exemplary service and culinary offerings, all at the heart of Santa Fe’s rich cultural center.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, Leslie Van Houten was granted parole and released after holding what many described as an exemplary record for decades behind bars.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • The Perfect Prescription is Spacemen 3’s masterpiece, an imperfect record made by one of the last holistically perfect groups of the 20th century.
    — Gabriel Szatan, Pitchfork, 18 Oct. 2026
  • The home office that completes this level offers a perfect spot for working from home.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • The clubhouse looks more Soho House than an archetypal northern non-League clubhouse.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Prada presented the skirt as a vocabulary, demonstrating the infinite possibilities that can emerge from an archetypal garment.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Any figure presented as a definitive statistic for a single year should be read with that in mind.
    — William Jones, Miami Herald, 12 Oct. 2026
  • But, in a lifetime of work, his photographs for Harper’s Bazaar remain definitive.
    — Vince Aletti, New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • Her shoes are already a favorite among industry insiders for their sleek appeal and excellent construction.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • In late September, the concept was thrust back into the public consciousness thanks to a Variety interview with actor Jack Innanen, who plays the Canadian himbo Paul Baker on the excellent sitcom Adults.
    — Chris Murphy, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 2026.

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