1
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a literary character who is regarded as the prototype of the fanatical and intolerant pursuer of justice

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2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed the Greek epic that is the prototype of the hero myth

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3
as in original
something from which copies are made the manufacturer exhaustively tested the prototype of the vehicle before approving production

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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 prototype But Xiaomi's prototype was surprisingly polished, and the potential of a system like this is obvious. Simon Hill, WIRED, 3 Mar. 2025 But for now, enjoy the prototype's flip-and-fold action in our footage. Matthew Buzzi, PCMAG, 2 Mar. 2025 This stunning and technically innovative concept car was intended for production and even appeared in a Bond movie, but a recession meant only prototypes were made. Ben Oliver, Robb Report, 1 Mar. 2025 Several trials later, her first bioplastic prototypes were born. Carly Kay, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for prototype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for prototype
Noun
  • Delta, for example, said in November that just 43% of its sales last year came from the main cabin, while 57% came from premium seats and its loyalty program.
    Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 2 Mar. 2025
  • In Scotland, for example, Islay peat is thought to imbue whisky with a different flavor than peat sourced from the Highlands.
    Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 2 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In 1914, Frank Newman opened the Royal Theatre which was a forerunner to movie palaces in the city, a significant departure from nickelodeons.
    Michael Wells, Kansas City Star, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Hammond, the school’s forerunner, won its fourth straight 3A sectional title in 2008.
    Michael Osipoff, Chicago Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Though fire consumed the fourth century original in 1823, the basilica was immediately — and faithfully — reconstructed on its original footprint beside via Ostiense (a half-hour bus ride south of the center).
    The New York Times, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Where the original feels bright and youthful, Extradose feels more mature and sophisticated.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Once the brewing period was over, the scientists analyzed the water samples to see how the heavy metal levels had changed (if at all).
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Lindqvist spends hours a day grinding up plant samples and analyzing their DNA to identify genetic differences between species.
    Agnel Philip, ProPublica, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Planned a year in advance, essentially right after the previous Oscars ceremony has wrapped, the glamorous precursor to Hollywood’s biggest night comes together thanks to a production team filled with hard-working, movie-loving craftspeople.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 1 Mar. 2025
  • Zelenskyy wants that deal to be a precursor to Trump guaranteeing support for Ukraine if Russia violates a potential peace agreement.
    Dan Mangan,Christina Wilkie, CNBC, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Since the discovery of the feather and the London and Berlin specimens, additional Archaeopteryx fossils have emerged, all from the Solnhofen region.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Some Pokemon creatures are capable of evolving into more powerful specimens, while others can undergo other types of changes.
    BestReviews, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Cajuns of south Louisiana trace their ancestors to the French Acadians exiled from Nova Scotia around 1755.
    Kristy Christiansen, Southern Living, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Our ancestors crossed a vast ocean, strode into the unknown wilderness, and carved their fortunes from the rock and soil of a perilous and very dangerous frontier.
    CBS News, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • In some instances, those people would go on to become huge stars — like actor Rachel Weisz, who was on the cover in 1987 at the age of 17.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • In this instance, talk to your veterinarian. Nagelschneider recommends disinfecting plastic pet brushes on the top rack of the dishwasher with a gentle, heat-free drying cycle.
    Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Prototype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/prototype. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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