epitome

noun

i-ˈpi-tə-mē How to pronounce epitome (audio)
Definition of epitomenext
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality) the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values in his finely tailored suit, he was the very epitome of style and sophistication

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3
as in classic
the most perfect type or example Mahatma Gandhi is often cited as the epitome of resolute reformer who uses nonviolence to bring about social and political change

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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 epitome Her thoughts, ideas, and connections, are ricocheting and forming spectacular creations that are the epitome of what a brain at its most powerful can achieve. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 Beauseen Genuine Leather Penny Loafers Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s style was the epitome of timeless. — Izzy Baskette, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026 The epitome of an American success story, Dolly grew up poor, living in a tiny, one-room cabin without electricity or running water in the mountains of East Tennessee, with 11 siblings. — Nicole Russell, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2026 Back home and in country music, the epitome of success was to be on the Grand Ole Opry. — Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for epitome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epitome
  1. summary
  2. manifestation
  3. classic
  4. summa
  5. incarnation
  6. ideal
  7. outline
  8. essence
Noun
  • At the age of 36, Fazio instead provides a summary of his experiences.
    — Christopher Keating, Hartford Courant, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The remaining men were handed lighter punishments, the summaries show.
    — Sharon Otterman, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of summary
Noun
  • The hotel just opened, so maybe that’s what accounts for it, but there’s a real atmosphere of excitement, and the staff seems to want to represent the greatest manifestation of the Four Seasons brand.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Oct. 2026
  • The curtain that officials brought down to prevent witnesses seeing Pike’s suffering is merely the visible manifestation of a process that is hidden from voters by design.
    — Maya Foa, Chicago Tribune, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • For first-timers seeking big Catskills scenery, the Escarpment Trail to Kaaterskill Falls is the classic, with dramatic overlooks and waterfalls that explain why people have been coming to these mountains for generations.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
  • Pocket Books and Penguin Books therefore specialized in classics that were in the public domain and in reprinting commercial and genre fiction, primarily mysteries, science fiction, and Westerns.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Noun
  • The stage was set for the Fourth, whose five movements add up to a summa of Bartók’s art, by turns tenaciously labored, sinuously swirling, nocturnally eerie, pizzicato-punchy, and flat-out wild.
    — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
  • Alas, Dostoevsky — all of whose major characters clearly embody aspects of his own extremist personality — died in 1881, shortly after completing this summa of his most deeply felt themes and obsessions.
    — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2023
Definition of summa
Noun
  • Bad news for fans of Ted Lasso‘s original Richmond men’s team who have been holding out hope for a larger presence of the players in the show’s new incarnation.
    — Nellie Andreeva, Deadline, 7 Oct. 2026
  • But against her current longer hair, this latest incarnation feels newly sharp.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of incarnation
Noun
  • The ongoing spat with the US has resonated with swing voters who lean right and embrace nationalist ideals.
    — Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 4 Oct. 2026
  • The Chicago Blackhawks were coming off a less-than-ideal season opener to Vegas, where the Stanley Cup runner-ups cruised to a 5-2 win.
    — Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of ideal
Noun
  • For example, if an instructor wants to assess a student’s ability to structure an argument, using AI to generate an outline would interfere with what the assignment is designed to measure.
    — Melissa Loble, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026
  • Love Days retraces the outlines of Ettie’s life through the story of Susanna Moore.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of outline
Noun
  • The bones, essence, and layering of that apartment form a mini masterclass in design.
    — Kelly Allen, Architectural Digest, 6 Oct. 2026
  • In the morning, reach for your cleanser or simply rinse the skin with water, then proceed with a hydrating serum or essence (if desired), moisturizer, and SPF.
    — Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of essence

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Cite this Entry

“Epitome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epitome. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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