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 scenery is so quintessential North Florida, with the giant oaks forming the canopy overhead that gives the trail its namesake and the rolling countryside is very evocative of the Deep South. — Austin Perry Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 Next month marks the arrival of fall, the quintessential New England season that includes apple picking, crisp autumn air and the arrival of leaf-peeping season. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026 The 1,300 residents of Kandersteg, in Switzerland’s Bern canton, live amid a quintessential Alpine landscape of sharp peaks, white glaciers, steep green valleys and the distant sound of cowbells. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Thanks to recent developments, there are more reasons than ever to visit this quintessential California beach town off iconic Highway 1. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 18 Aug. 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Still, the archetypal influencer in our cultural imagination is not a man reviewing watches on YouTube or hosting a podcast from his studio in Austin.
    — Laura Jung, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Once an archetypal political background, Florida has shifted to the right since 2016.
    — Matt Brown, Fortune, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of archetypal
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
  • 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

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 2 Sep. 2026.

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