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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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
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
-
Tandoori Pizza is best known for combining classic Indian dishes, like tandoori chicken, malai paneer, curry chicken and chicken tikka and serving it on a pizza crust, the website showed.—
Emma Hall,
Sacbee.com,
17 June 2026
-
Melt-in-your-mouth satisfaction in fun flavors of single-serve packs from limited-edition sugar cookie and cinnamon bun to classic, white cheddar, limited-edition Spicy Dill Pickle and more.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
16 June 2026
Adjective
-
The xenophobic law meant that Yiddish-speaking Jews and Italians seeking to vote could be required to recite and write passages from the state Constitution, regardless of their level of education in their native tongues or whether their conduct as new Americans was exemplary.—
Robert Polner,
New York Daily News,
13 June 2026
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Although, the Mobi Fold has an exemplary advantage in its replaceable, rechargeable battery.—
Scharon Harding,
ArsTechnica,
10 June 2026
Adjective
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Even though the action is revoltingly real, the fighters seem almost interchangeable, cookie-cutter, and therefore even more archetypal.—
Gal Beckerman,
The Atlantic,
15 June 2026
-
Perhaps because Mansfield died young, at thirty-four, of tuberculosis, her adult and middle-aged characters tend to feel a bit archetypical by comparison.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 June 2026
Adjective
-
Amid her second pregnancy with Prince Harry, Diana attended the festivities with a young William, wearing a quintessential ’80s ensemble.—
Elle Meier,
InStyle,
13 June 2026
-
This is quintessential five-out offense, extremely difficult to guard because of the spacing and presence of five shooters on the floor.—
CJ Moore,
New York Times,
13 June 2026
Adjective
-
The national battle over congressional control has officially arrived on New York’s doorstep, and the Empire State’s voters may have the definitive last word.—
Jeffrey M. Wice,
New York Daily News,
16 June 2026
-
No single measurement appeared to provide a definitive warning sign on its own.—
Sharmila Kuthunur,
Space.com,
15 June 2026
Adjective
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This should be an excellent match against a South Korean side that also has a victory after its comeback last week to beat Czechia.—
Andrew Greif,
NBC news,
19 June 2026
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Come for that convenience, and stay for lively communal areas, sleek and spacious rooms and suites, and excellent food and beverage programming.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
18 June 2026
Adjective
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The Sparks were nearly perfect in the first quarter before committing their first turnover with under five minutes to play.—
Jordan Puente,
Los Angeles Times,
18 June 2026
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The presidential suite has ergonomic desks and chairs (perfect for a working vacation) and brown leather details that give a cozy feel, plus floor-to-ceiling windows with unparalleled, unobstructed views of the city.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
17 June 2026
Adjective
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The Society of Arts was a model third-place institution, Richmond’s own semipublic coffeehouse.—
Adam Gopnik,
New Yorker,
8 June 2026
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Sauntering alongside him is model Bryce.—
Kathleen Walsh,
Vulture,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paradigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradigmatic. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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