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
Relevance
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
And the arena’s management did it by embracing the existing immigrant population in an era where rampant gentrification seeks to stifle New York’s quintessential diversity.
—
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 22 May 2025
Each pits a young heroine of humble means against the formidable, possibly sinister lady of the estate; this time, that quintessential Nicole Kidman role is played by a serenely terrifying Julianne Moore.
—Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
For more than a century, the name Maserati has conjured visions of the quintessential Italian sports car, long before the Ferrari marque was a twinkle in Enzo’s eye.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
The country-pop track felt like a quintessential Roan song, despite her venture into the country genre.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Kyle Denis, Billboard, 22 May 2025
Each pits a young heroine of humble means against the formidable, possibly sinister lady of the estate; this time, that quintessential Nicole Kidman role is played by a serenely terrifying Julianne Moore.
—Judy Berman, Time, 22 May 2025
For more than a century, the name Maserati has conjured visions of the quintessential Italian sports car, long before the Ferrari marque was a twinkle in Enzo’s eye.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 7 May 2025
The country-pop track felt like a quintessential Roan song, despite her venture into the country genre.
—Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 5 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
-
Practice makes perfect, and this recipe is a perfect place to start—follow our tips and tricks for making this classic Italian dish.—
Catherine Jessee,
Southern Living,
27 May 2025
-
This is a classic explanation for why coal mining pays a premium.—
Greg Rosalsky,
NPR,
27 May 2025
Adjective
-
The game’s first power play went Minnesota’s way, and the Frost kept Ottawa hemmed in for much of the two minutes, but managed only one shot on Phillips, as the Charge did exemplary work clogging the net-front and blocking shots.—
Jess Myers,
Twin Cities,
23 May 2025
-
The award, sponsored by Chick-Fil-A, recognizes student-athletes who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and character.—
Lori Riley,
Hartford Courant,
22 May 2025
Adjective
-
Tyce Peterson was a perfect 4 for 4 with a double and two RBIs.—
Shotgun Spratling,
Los Angeles Times,
2 June 2025
-
The Better Sister This adaptation of Alafair Burke’s novel follows two sisters, one who is seemingly living a perfect life (Jessica Biel) and the other who is in recovery and barely scraping by (Elizabeth Banks).—
Savannah Salazar,
Vulture,
2 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share