1
as in exemplary
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
classic designs in furniture that never go out of style
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind
one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the anthropologist noted the classic facial features of the inhabitants of those islands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
among women who have devoted themselves to a life of scientific inquiry, Marie Curie is one of the acknowledged classics
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in masterpiece
something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement
the works of Michelangelo are regarded as classics of the sculptor's art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ideal
the most perfect type or example
his journey of discovery was a classic of arduous effort and fierce determination
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 classic
Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 July 2025
While Osaka’s pair leaned romantic and personal, Sinner’s Wimbledon version leaned more classic and clean.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 July 2025
Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
While Nimmo and Soto will not be in the midsummer classic, the Mets do have players in the All-Star game.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for classic
Adjective
Turner, meanwhile, went classic and all-white in his knit polo shirt and chino trousers, and finished off the look with brown suede shoes.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 13 July 2025
While Osaka’s pair leaned romantic and personal, Sinner’s Wimbledon version leaned more classic and clean.
—Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 13 July 2025
Noun
The prospect of revisiting Tolstoy’s classic in a P.E.I. class filled him with joy.
—Brooke Allen, New Yorker, 12 July 2025
While Nimmo and Soto will not be in the midsummer classic, the Mets do have players in the All-Star game.
—Ryan Canfield, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for classic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classic
Adjective
-
She will be remembered as an exemplary icon of Indian cinema and culture.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
14 July 2025
-
People who knew Foxcroft remembered him as a father, husband and exemplary worker in tributes shared with the outlet.—
Michael Nied,
People.com,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
There is not a lot of room, but the midfielder is excellent at operating in tight spaces.—
Jay Harris,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
-
The hiding spot seemed like an excellent spot for avoiding the sun and potential predators, but Fowler didn't feel quite the same.—
Liz O'Connell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
The response was immediate: many believed the artifact resembled the base of a Clovis point—a distinctive stone tool crafted by Paleoindian peoples more than 12,000 years ago.—
Michael Barnes,
Austin American Statesman,
7 July 2025
-
The Phoenix Financial Center, a distinctive office complex in central Phoenix, is slated for a major renovation.—
Corina Vanek,
AZCentral.com,
7 July 2025
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
There’s an authoritative front grille and bumper, and revised rear tail lights.—
Josh Max,
Forbes.com,
11 July 2025
Noun
-
The Double Shot made our reviewer's hair nice and smooth while giving it volume, and managed to give less frizz than other models.—
Boutayna Chokrane,
Wired News,
9 July 2025
-
So creating models that are predictive of real-world systems, to me, was just an incredibly fascinating endeavor.—
Fortune Editors,
Fortune,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
An ultra-modern masterpiece baked into a verdant slope in Luxembourg‘s commune of Kopstal has just arrived on the market at $4.5 million.—
Demetrius Simms,
Robb Report,
10 July 2025
-
Watch Michael Clayton and revel in the glory that is Tony Gilroy’s masterpiece alongside Charlie and her new Clayton-head neighbors, played by Awkwafina and Lauren Tom.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
10 July 2025
Noun
-
This New Balance sneaker earns top marks because its cushioned base and rubber sole are designed to cradle each step — ideal for seniors or those with foot pain.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
People.com,
12 July 2025
-
Helicopters Central Washington's long, sunny summer days and cool evenings make the region ideal for growing sweet cherries.—
David Morgan
July 11,
CBS News,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Tart or sweet, cherries are a quintessential summer treat.—
Lauren Landers,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 July 2025
-
The Neighborhood Hang This feels like the quintessential Summerhill spot.—
Lia Picard,
Travel + Leisure,
14 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classic. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share