archetypal

adjective

variants also archetypical
Definition of archetypalnext
1
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated St. Peter's basilica in Rome is considered by some art historians to be the archetypal structure in the baroque style

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in typical
having or showing the qualities associated with the members of a particular group or kind the movie's hero is pretty archetypal, lacking in any distinctive qualities that would distinguish him from countless other masked avengers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetypal
  1. classic
  2. typical
  3. quintessential
  4. average
  5. standard
  6. definitive
  7. normal
  8. exemplary
Adjective
  • Amazon has a classic version of the neck pillow that simply wraps around your neck and provides a cushion.
    — Christopher Murray, Fox News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • San Lorenzo, the on-site restaurant, masterfully fuses Italian cuisine with classic New Orleans flavors.
    — Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Hamilton is not the first driver to attempt to fulfill a childhood dream by ending his racing career in typical midlife crisis style — in his 40s with a brand new Ferrari and a second family.
    — Olivia Hicks, NPR, 15 Mar. 2025
  • The average cost of full coverage in the U.S. is now $2,638 per year, meaning the typical household spends 3.39% of its income on insurance for just one car.
    — Ben Kesslen, Quartz, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of typical
Adjective
  • In a typical, yet chaotic, day in their lives, the twins do all the quintessential 20-something things: work horrible service industry jobs, accidentally take laxatives, fill up their gas tank in $10 increments, and of course, start a podcast.
    — Katie Campione, Deadline, 14 Mar. 2025
  • It might be seen as a quintessential English trait, the importance of winning second balls, but physicality and winning any duel is integral to success in any league.
    — Rob Tanner, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of quintessential
Adjective
  • California’s snowpack reached above average levels the past two years after very stormy winters and this upcoming storm could move the state’s total closer to clinching a three-peat.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently claimed that controllers make $160,000 on average three years out of the academy.
    — Alex Fitzpatrick, Axios, 11 Mar. 2025
Definition of average
Adjective
  • Potential Risks and Side Effects Phenylalanine is generally well-tolerated in standard dosages.
    — Isabel Vasquez RD LDN, Health, 16 Mar. 2025
  • Under California law, standard golf carts are allowed to operate solely on and around golf courses, according to Sally Morin Personal Injury Lawyers, which has offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles.
    — Fernanda Galan, Sacramento Bee, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of standard
Adjective
  • Crypto Confidential: Forbes' definitive guide to crypto and blockchain, delivered to your inbox every Saturday.
    — Abubakar Nur Khalil, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • Everyone from Frankie Lymon to Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Rosemary Clooney has recorded more definitive versions. 163.
    — Kristen S. Hé, Vulture, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • The bottom line: Volatility — though unnerving — is normal.
    — John Towfighi, CNN, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Are these normal things to think at this point in a serious relationship?
    — James Parker, The Atlantic, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of normal
Adjective
  • The total judgment amount includes $11 million for mental anguish sustained in the past, $20 million for the mental anguish that the victim might sustain in the future, and $93 million for exemplary damages, court records show.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Mar. 2025
  • The tables of deaths occupy hundreds of double-page spreads, laid out with exemplary clarity and precision.
    — Fintan O'Toole, The New Yorker, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of exemplary
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.

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“Archetypal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetypal. Accessed 23 Mar. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of archetypal for Spanish Speakers

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