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
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Recent Examples of quintessential
The book has become the quintessential document of the Utah backcountry skiing scene, and anyone who skis every descent in the book cements their name in ski history.
—
Jake Stern, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
The original made $56.6 million worldwide via Paramount Pictures and has become a cult hit and one of the quintessential ’90s movies.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2025
This is followed by, among other special effects, a duck presentation dressed in that quintessential molecular gastronomy topping — foam — while burstable pixelated bubbles float across the table, and a plated course of hamachi and seaweed served as schools of bright fish swim amid coral below.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025
To me, the difference is that the quintessential streaming show feels like eight hourlong movies and a whole bunch of miniseries that have subsequent sequels to those miniseries.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Jake Stern, Outside Online, 25 Apr. 2025
The original made $56.6 million worldwide via Paramount Pictures and has become a cult hit and one of the quintessential ’90s movies.
—Brian Welk, IndieWire, 17 Apr. 2025
This is followed by, among other special effects, a duck presentation dressed in that quintessential molecular gastronomy topping — foam — while burstable pixelated bubbles float across the table, and a plated course of hamachi and seaweed served as schools of bright fish swim amid coral below.
—Gary Baum, HollywoodReporter, 19 Apr. 2025
To me, the difference is that the quintessential streaming show feels like eight hourlong movies and a whole bunch of miniseries that have subsequent sequels to those miniseries.
—Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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The no-cook meal combines a few of our favorite things—classic protein salads, fresh produce, and a few pickled components—into one treasured tradition that can instantly turn a miserably hot day into a cause for celebration.—
Tara Massouleh McCay,
Southern Living,
3 May 2025
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Additionally, McDonald's $5 Meal Deal offers a variety of classic meals.—
Jonathan Limehouse,
USA Today,
3 May 2025
Adjective
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Yes, Owens deserves our praise for not only an exemplary career in journalism, but for his principled stance against the Trump administration’s attack on First Amendment rights.—
Reader Commentary,
Baltimore Sun,
2 May 2025
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In just two days, the Pacers went from their lowest point in the series to playing an exemplary 48-minute game.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
29 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Los Angeles, which wanted to move up to draft Brock Bowers last year, found an option at tight end in this draft in Terrance Ferguson, a four-year starter out of Oregon who could become a perfect complement in the middle of the field to the 1-2 punch on the outside in Davante Adams and Puka Nacua.—
Zak Keefer,
New York Times,
27 Apr. 2025
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From classic denim designs to vibrant colorways and distressed finishes, flared jeans find their perfect ally in platform shoes.—
René Chávez Esparza,
Glamour,
27 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
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