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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of quintessential
This quintessential coastline is as much ingrained in the city’s DNA as are its famous hills and iconic boulevards.
—
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Nestled on Britain's south coast in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth is a quintessential English seaside town, known for its sandy beach and fish and chips.
—NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
The retailer’s men’s and women’s stores have opened up space for quintessential Loro Piana looks and a monogramming station.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
While these two colors are quintessential autumn hues, this season has put a spotlight on them, with many people opting for monochromatic looks in the two rich shades.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2025
Nestled on Britain's south coast in the county of Dorset, Bournemouth is a quintessential English seaside town, known for its sandy beach and fish and chips.
—NPR, 18 Oct. 2025
The retailer’s men’s and women’s stores have opened up space for quintessential Loro Piana looks and a monogramming station.
—David Moin, Footwear News, 17 Oct. 2025
While these two colors are quintessential autumn hues, this season has put a spotlight on them, with many people opting for monochromatic looks in the two rich shades.
—Jacqueline Tempera, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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For her part, Bieber delivered a rock-n-roll roll take on classic LBD.—
Christian Allaire,
Vogue,
27 Oct. 2025
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In a series of wedding photos shared, the newlyweds can be seen embracing in their wedding attire, with Smith wearing a strapless satin gown and Sutherland sporting a classic black suit.—
Ashlyn Robinette,
PEOPLE,
27 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Both were exemplary but had to be substituted due to injury.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Now, he’s being remembered as an exemplary leader.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The 26-year-old was caught offside no fewer than eight times during a 4-0 defeat to Barcelona back in November, many of which after inch-perfect movement from Pau Cubarsi to step up and leave the centre-forward marginally ahead of the defensive line.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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None of our systems is perfect—neither corporate media nor media owned by a single wealthy individual.—
David Wingrave,
Harpers Magazine,
24 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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That’s about half of what archetypal metal-bender General Motors garnered in the same span.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
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Vicario is also not the archetypal Frank goalkeeper.—
Elias Burke,
New York Times,
23 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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