as in influential
very important especially in having a strong influence on things that come later
She authored several seminal papers that are frequently cited in later works because they laid the theoretical groundwork for future studies.
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Recent Examples of seminal
The late filmmaker, best known for seminal titles like Moving (1993) and Typhoon Club (1985), is often cited as a contemporary pioneer in Japan by filmmakers like Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Ryusuke Hamaguchi but has remained largely unknown outside Japan.
—
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Studios is bringing five seminal Jet Li martial arts classics to 4K resolution, marking a significant moment for fans of Hong Kong action cinema.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
The reality was that neither Latina/os, nor Asian Americans, were ever as reliably Democratic as Black voters have been since Lyndon B. Johnson signed the seminal civil rights legislation of the 1960s.
—Jane Hong / Made By History, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Martin compares its narrative to Batman: Year One, a seminal story about the Dark Knight's early life, while the Slayer's physique and screen presence were modeled after Batman in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for seminal 
Zac Ntim, Deadline, 4 Feb. 2025
Studios is bringing five seminal Jet Li martial arts classics to 4K resolution, marking a significant moment for fans of Hong Kong action cinema.
—Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 30 Jan. 2025
The reality was that neither Latina/os, nor Asian Americans, were ever as reliably Democratic as Black voters have been since Lyndon B. Johnson signed the seminal civil rights legislation of the 1960s.
—Jane Hong / Made By History, TIME, 24 Jan. 2025
Martin compares its narrative to Batman: Year One, a seminal story about the Dark Knight's early life, while the Slayer's physique and screen presence were modeled after Batman in Frank Miller's The Dark Knight Returns.
—John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 24 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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Other attractions help put the eventful Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s in perspective by referencing influential historical figures and locations in Harlem.—
Jared Mccallister,
New York Daily News,
15 Feb. 2025
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Off-screen, Yao remains one of China’s most influential public figures, leveraging her massive social media following to advocate for humanitarian causes while continuing to reshape the industry on her own terms.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
15 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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One factor that has been holding back the cash rate’s descent has been the strength of the labor market, with unemployment rate hovering near a historic low level of 4.0% in December.—
Anniek Bao,
CNBC,
18 Feb. 2025
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In the film, Plant recounts that day of personal triumph while keeping his band’s award in perspective with the historic events that had most of the world’s attention.—
Steve Appleford,
SPIN,
17 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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To improve brain function and sharpen your focus Magnesium plays an important role in relaying signals between your brain and body.—
Fiona Embleton,
Glamour,
11 Feb. 2025
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That reading trend line raises important questions about how quickly states can expect to see improvement after many passed laws to improve literacy instruction.—
Cory Turner,
NPR,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Vancouver had an authoritative control of shots and scoring chances but fell 3-2 in overtime.—
Harman Dayal,
The Athletic,
3 Feb. 2025
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Voters were searching elsewhere for authoritative opinion.—
Peter Bart,
Deadline,
30 Jan. 2025
Adjective
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In an industry where communication is critical, Lake Forest’s Toby Wong has made an impact.—
Daniel I. Dorfman,
Chicago Tribune,
11 Feb. 2025
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Visiting the White Lotus’ Thailand hotel to learn new techniques and share her own, Belinda’s arc is less pitiable this season, but her purpose is arguably even more critical.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
11 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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But there was one major difference between the two groups, the official noted: While the Kenyans were anxious for their livelihoods, the Americans were worried about their country.—
Declan Walsh,
New York Times,
8 Feb. 2025
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Rocky Top reality check: UConn women’s loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies’ game Rocky Top reality check: UConn women's loss to Tennessee exposes major flaws in the Huskies' game A national brand is opening its first shop in CT.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
8 Feb. 2025
Adjective
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Not even these groundbreaking institutions could escape it, however hard some of their administrators, staff, and supporters tried.—
TIME,
TIME,
10 Feb. 2025
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Last week, the star athlete revealed a groundbreaking investment in Ramp, a cutting-edge financial operations platform that’s already helped businesses save over $2 billion – marking his largest private technology investment to date.—
Kimberly Wilson,
Essence,
10 Feb. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near seminal
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.
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