classic 1 of 2

adjective

ˈkla-sik How to pronounce classic (audio)
Definition of classicnext
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

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2
as in excellent
of the very best kind one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies

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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

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4
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society

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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

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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

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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

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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 classic
Adjective
Choose from more than 20 colors, including dusty pink, fall-ready forest green, and classic cream. — Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Aug. 2026 Accommodations range from classic hotel rooms and suites at the Sweetgrass Inn and Boardwalk Inn to spacious condos and vacation homes, so there’s plenty of flexibility depending on how—and with whom—you’re traveling. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Noun
That fervor might be enough reason to declare KPop Demon Hunters a contemporary classic and worthy of Criterion status. — Sophia Nguyen, The Atlantic, 28 Aug. 2026 Open for breakfast and lunch, the eatery sticks largely to the classics—think omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict, and plenty of biscuits, best enjoyed smothered in gravy, of course. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for classic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classic
  1. exemplary
  2. excellent
  3. distinctive
  4. authoritative
  5. model
  6. masterpiece
  7. ideal
  8. quintessential
Adjective
  • How Clarke reached this rarefied realm of cinematic creation—and then largely left it behind—is an exemplary story of artistic psychology, film history, and social politics.
    — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The Television Critics Association has unveiled the winners for the 42nd Annual TCA Awards, which honor exemplary series and stars from the 2025-2026 TV season.
    — Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of exemplary
Adjective
  • Alas, this excellent advice goes into one of Joe’s ears and out the other.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Owls are predators whose eyes are positioned on the front of their heads, giving them excellent depth perception.
    — Abigail Witmer, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • These challenging conditions are precisely what make a summer off-road safari such a distinctive way to experience Iceland’s rugged interior.
    — Gwen Nicol, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Meghna Gulzar has a very distinctive voice and an ability to approach difficult subjects with both restraint and intensity.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of distinctive
Adjective
  • Because these procedures can be incredibly complex, each chamber of Congress has a parliamentarian who provides authoritative, objective, and nonpartisan guidance on how rules and precedents should be interpreted and applied.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Their strategic advantage lies in leveraging local expertise and trusted, authoritative content directly within AI interfaces.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of authoritative
Noun
  • When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.
    — Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Meteorologists said the majority of model guidance does not indicate a credible hurricane threat to California during the second week of September.
    — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of model
Noun
  • Those songs and more were performed during his set by an ace band that included two drummers, whose polyrhythmic beat recalled the Burundi-like drumming of Ant’s 1980 masterpiece Kings of the Wild Frontier.
    — David Chiu, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The Peninsula Grill‘s late chef and owner Robert Carter took his grandmother’s coconut cake and turned it into a masterpiece.
    — Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of masterpiece
Noun
  • Bart Bart Starr led the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls ever played, making this moniker ideal for football history buffs.
    — Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
  • For his business, the ideal is one that has the strength to unload a truck, and the dexterity to sort lipstick—as some of the humanoids working in his operations can now do.
    — Diane Brady, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of ideal
Adjective
  • Van Patten is the model Flawless Fresh face, while creator Noor Stars is the quintessential Flawless Matte girl.
    — Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The model-off-duty look invented by the supermodels of the ’90s remains a quintessential style reference, but the supers of today, like Anok Yai and Kendall Jenner, like to make things more interesting.
    — Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair, 25 Aug. 2026
Definition of quintessential

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classic. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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