PARADIGMATIC Synonyms: 82 Similar and Opposite Words

paradigmatic

adjective

Definition of paradigmatic

as in classic

constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated a paradigmatic essay in which the writer presents his point of view clearly and engagingly

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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 paradigmatic In the most American of stories, the Idaho potato, forming half of the paradigmatic American meal (a burger and fries), only became a paradigm when gold was discovered in Idaho in 1860. — Tamar Adler, Vogue, 3 June 2026 This is perhaps a paradigmatic example of how AI can be useful today. — Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026 Through it all, the 55-year-old former Fed governor exudes a confidence that is the antithesis of Harry Truman's paradigmatic two-handed economist — qualities that seemed to attract the president and might be essential in his effort to reform the staid Federal Reserve. — Steve Liesman,matt Peterson, CNBC, 27 Mar. 2026 The Holocaust may be the paradigmatic genocide. — Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026 Will speaking characters into action be a novelty or a mainstay — a paradigmatic way of interacting with screens or just a passing diversion that will turn this deal cringe in short order? — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 12 Dec. 2025 The paradigmatic helicopter parent hovered from a distance and in most cases didn’t follow their child to college. — Russell Shaw, The Atlantic, 2 Nov. 2025 The 1994 slaughter of 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus in Rwanda became the paradigmatic example, prosecuted at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda and recognized by the UN Security Council. — Faisal Kutty, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Sep. 2025 Though beloved by many straight men for the wrong reasons, the central character in American Psycho — a movie directed by a woman, written by a woman, and based on a novel written by a gay man — has always been paradigmatic of repressed same-sex desire. — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 23 Sep. 2025

Recent Examples of Synonyms for paradigmatic

Adjective

Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

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

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

Adjective

Now, Anthropic acknowledges that its marks are signals, not definitive proof of AI-generation.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026
Viral sit-to-stand and other mobility tests measure strength, balance, fall risk; helpful clues on how the body is aging but not definitive predictions of lifespan.

— Devi Shastri, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of definitive

Adjective

Wrigley Field is a perfect setting for a rom-com, since many young fans are looking for romance and not paying a whole lot of attention to the actual game.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of perfect

Adjective

Initial deliveries will begin in South Korea in late 2026, followed by an official rollout to the United States, UK, Europe, and Australian markets in the first half of 2027 as a 2028 model-year vehicle.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
This 2025 model-year car starts at $230,500—nearly $46,000 more—and comes to $289,585 as tested.

— Bradley Iger, ArsTechnica, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of model

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“Paradigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradigmatic. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of paradigmatic

adjective

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