Synonyms of classic

classic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkla-sik 

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

• exemplary
• quintessential
• perfect
• definitive
• excellent
• unique
• superb
• archetypal
• paradigmatic
• model
• wonderful
• great
• terrific
• exceptional
• textbook
• prime
• special
• imitable
• ideal
• fine
• fantastic
• marvelous
• flawless
• stellar
• fabulous
• sensational
• splendid
• superlative
• first-class
• first-rate
• top
• impeccable
• superior
• absolute
• nifty
• dandy
• sterling
• fancy
• choice
• par excellence
• banner
• grand
• high-grade
• nonpareil
• top-notch
• groovy
• unsurpassed
• capital
• primo
• wizard
• A1
• swell
• keen
• crackerjack
• tip-top
• bang-up
• jim-dandy
• A-OK

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poor
• bad
• unsatisfactory
• substandard
• typical
• normal
• vile
• ordinary
• wretched
• atrocious
• inadequate
• low-grade
• inferior
• average
• deficient
• disappointing
• representative
• execrable
• mediocre
• second-class
• failed
• second-rate

2

as in excellent

of the very best kind

one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies

Synonyms & Similar Words

• excellent
• wonderful
• great
• lovely
• superb
• terrific
• beautiful
• awesome
• fabulous
• fantastic
• prime
• stellar
• marvelous
• famous
• fine
• hot
• quality
• neat
• cool
• sensational
• heavenly
• slick
• splendid
• divine
• superior
• superlative
• first-class
• high-class
• first-rate
• top
• grand
• groovy
• top-notch
• brave
• top-shelf
• nifty
• exceptional
• good
• dandy
• choice
• noble
• sterling
• par excellence
• radical
• cracking
• banner
• topping
• dynamite
• fab
• blue-chip
• peachy
• too much
• topflight
• frontline
• immense
• out of this world
• unsurpassed
• classical
• blue-ribbon
• crackerjack
• top-of-the-line
• traditional
• bumper
• prize
• keen
• mean
• righteous
• first-string
• capital
• dope
• decent
• boss
• number one
• out-of-sight
• supernal
• A1
• primo
• wizard
• swell
• special
• fantabulous
• bully
• gone
• five-star
• peachy keen
• better
• tip-top
• corking
• gangbusters
• four-star
• bang-up
• hype
• jim-dandy
• prizewinning
• acceptable
• adequate
• gilt-edged
• boffo
• phat
• numero uno
• down
• bonny
• satisfactory
• A-OK
• brag
• premium
• standard
• fancy
• all right
• high-grade
• passable
• tolerable
• OK
• select
• high-test
• superfine

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• poor
• terrible
• awful
• vile
• pathetic
• lousy
• wretched
• atrocious
• rotten
• bad
• inferior
• unsatisfactory
• execrable
• low-grade
• substandard
• mediocre
• second-class
• middling
• second-rate

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

• distinctive
• characteristic
• typical
• distinct
• distinguishing
• peculiar
• diagnostic
• individual
• proper
• unmistakable
• identifying
• symptomatic
• usual
• discriminating
• generic
• general
• common
• special
• normal
• specific
• idiosyncratic
• identifiable
• particular
• regular
• pronounced
• archetypal
• paradigmatic
• model
• especial

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• atypical
• uncharacteristic
• untypical
• nontypical

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

• authoritative
• classical
• definitive
• comprehensive
• magisterial
• accurate
• official
• conclusive
• decisive
• approved
• correct
• complete
• sanctioned
• exhaustive
• thorough

classic

2 of 2

noun

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

• model
• idea
• example
• incarnation
• ideal
• patron saint
• paragon
• pinnacle
• manifestation
• exemplar
• nonpareil
• essence
• beau ideal
• mirror
• nonesuch
• paradigm
• principle
• phantom
• personification
• pink
• eidolon
• role model
• touchstone
• embodiment
• archetype
• guideline
• standard
• epitome
• rule
• pattern
• zenith
• apotheosis
• quintessence
• apex
• culmination
• gauge
• summit
• peak
• acme

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

• masterpiece
• masterwork
• magnum opus
• showpiece
• chef d'oeuvre
• success
• tour de force
• masterstroke
• blockbuster
• gem
• megahit
• pièce de résistance
• jewel
• treasure
• winner
• prize
• smash

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disaster
• failure
• catastrophe
• bomb
• turkey
• loser
• fiasco
• flop
• debacle
• washout
• dud
• clunker
• fizzle

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

• ideal
• model
• incarnation
• manifestation
• perfection
• apotheosis
• quintessence
• exemplar
• epitome
• byword
• beau ideal
• prototype
• zenith
• acme
• paradigm
• standard
• avatar
• archetype
• height
• benchmark
• incorporation
• ultimate
• paragon
• personification
• abstract
• touchstone
• embodiment
• last word
• criterion
• nonpareil
• meridian
• yardstick
• embodier

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of classic

Adjective

What Could Be Next The most likely path for funnel-neck outerwear is not a crash after fall but a gradual settling into classic status, with a few specific inflection points worth watching. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2026

Mary Louise Weller, who played sorority girl Mandy Pepperidge in the 1978 comedy classic Animal House and had two dozen other film and TV credits, died October 1 after a brief illness — one day before her 80th birthday. — Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2026

Noun

The fall 2026 outerwear cycle rewards updated classics, not statement pieces. — Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 30 Sep. 2026

Add Preferred Source A few longtime Houston classics are in the mix, including Brennan’s of Houston, Kenny & Ziggy's, Ninfa's on Navigation, Villa Arcos and Mandola's Deli. — Jody Schmal, Houston Chronicle, 30 Sep. 2026