quintessential

adjective

ˌkwin-tə-ˈsen(t)-shəl How to pronounce quintessential (audio)
Definition of quintessentialnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 quintessential The shirt, paired with a tie, and the single-breasted blazer were rendered in shades of green and blue, with picturesque country and waterside scenes evocative of a quintessential Nantucket summer. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2026 For generations, kids have learned how to ride a bike — a quintessential childhood milestone — in driveways, on sidewalks and in neighborhood streets. — Cheyanne Mumphrey, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026 That first week, Nevermind was surrounded by quintessential 1991 chart fodder by the Judds, Phil Collins, Ziggy Marley, Sting, and the Pretty Woman soundtrack. — Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 24 Sep. 2026 This wrapping mask is formulated with quintessential K-beauty ingredients like milk protein, collagen, and niacinamide, plus glutathione, a powerhouse ingredient my skin loves for preventing environmental damage, discoloration, and overall dullness. — Essence Wiley, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
  1. classic
  2. exemplary
  3. perfect
  4. archetypal
  5. definitive
  6. excellent
Adjective
  • Orlando Bloom’s first big automotive splurge was a classic Porsche—a black 911S from 1973.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Pair them with a chunky sweater and sneakers, or a classic button-down shirt and heeled booties this season.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of classic
Adjective
  • Setting the standard for luxury with exemplary service and culinary offerings, all at the heart of Santa Fe’s rich cultural center.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Oct. 2026
  • In 2023, Leslie Van Houten was granted parole and released after holding what many described as an exemplary record for decades behind bars.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • The outdoor second-floor deck is perfect for taking a break between museums—there's a table with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, water, and seltzer available all day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Hotels, as well as airports, are perfect places to test this technology because their electricity usage follows quite predictable patterns.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of perfect
Adjective
  • The clubhouse looks more Soho House than an archetypal northern non-League clubhouse.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 3 Oct. 2026
  • Prada presented the skirt as a vocabulary, demonstrating the infinite possibilities that can emerge from an archetypal garment.
    — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of archetypal
Adjective
  • Hernández, 40, played professionally from 2005 to 2019, spending his entire illustrious 15-season Major League career as the definitive ace for the Mariners.
    — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Vistra must still meet technical, legal, environmental and financial requirements before the agency signs definitive financing agreements or provides any funds.
    — Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of definitive
Adjective
  • There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excellent

Browse Nearby Words

quintessences
quintessential
quintet
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Cite this Entry

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

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