as in influential
very important especially in having a strong influence on things that come later
She authored several seminal papers that are frequently cited in later works because they laid the theoretical groundwork for future studies.
Related Words
Relevance
Dissimilar Words
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 seminal
Holmes and Jackson, of course, starred together on the seminal WB teen drama Dawson’s Creek, alongside James Van Der Beek and Michelle Williams.
—
Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 21 July 2025
Advertisement Mob psychology has a long history of non-rational pathologies that bury the truth in frenzies documented as far back as 1841 in Charles Mackay’s seminal, cautionary book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2025
Early batik works from the 1970s are featured alongside her breakthrough acrylic paintings from the late 1980s, including Emu Woman (1988), a seminal canvas that catapulted her to national recognition.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Giddy gratification and gory glimpses of the ocean predators are plentiful this year, as is some frightening and fascinating footage of the summer season’s seminal scallywag.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 21 July 2025
Advertisement Mob psychology has a long history of non-rational pathologies that bury the truth in frenzies documented as far back as 1841 in Charles Mackay’s seminal, cautionary book Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds.
—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, Time, 16 July 2025
Early batik works from the 1970s are featured alongside her breakthrough acrylic paintings from the late 1980s, including Emu Woman (1988), a seminal canvas that catapulted her to national recognition.
—Lee Sharrock, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Giddy gratification and gory glimpses of the ocean predators are plentiful this year, as is some frightening and fascinating footage of the summer season’s seminal scallywag.
—Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
-
Despite support from Republicans like Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, increasingly influential conservative commentators in the state almost immediately came out in opposition to Schwinn.—
Erica Meltzer,
The Tennessean,
2 Aug. 2025
-
Time omitted him from its ranking, a choice that no doubt will be viewed by many as just another example in a pattern of dismissing influential alternative voices.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
1 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
Willis Show Bar, located in Detroit's historic Cass Corridor, is temporarily closing its doors for the remainder of the summer, citing rising operational costs in a post on Facebook.—
Jalen Williams,
Freep.com,
23 July 2025
-
The three-level, 20,000-square-foot Tm:rw store, opening July 29, is located in the historic Candler Building at 220 West 42nd Street.—
David Moin,
Footwear News,
23 July 2025
Adjective
-
Here are some important factors to consider: Availability: Not all providers cover every part of Austin.—
Kara McGinley,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
-
Given how coveted full-backs are, this is an important move from Barca to tie down one of their most consistent performers.—
Pol Ballús,
New York Times,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.—
Steve Inskeep,
NPR,
14 July 2025
-
As mild-mannered Clark Kent and his powerful alter ego, who'd regularly save his pals Lois Lane and Jimmy Olsen, Reeves brought likability, honesty and an authoritative streak to the role that changed his life. 1.—
Brian Truitt,
USA Today,
11 July 2025
Adjective
-
Austin city leaders are urging the Federal Emergency Management Agency to reinstate $50 million in funding for flood protection upgrades to critical city utility infrastructure — money that was pulled earlier this year.—
Dante Motley,
Austin American Statesman,
31 July 2025
-
Home health care, a personalized alternative to institutional care, is becoming a critical pillar of modern medicine.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
30 July 2025
Adjective
-
In 1947: President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act 1947, a major piece of legislation that restructured many of the country’s military and intelligence institutions.—
AZCentral.com,
AZCentral.com,
27 July 2025
-
That announcement largely cleared the field of major potential challengers to Rogers.—
Paul Egan,
Freep.com,
27 July 2025
Adjective
-
Van Doren spoke to PEOPLE back in the summer of 1985 in a groundbreaking cover story about Hudson and his diagnosis.—
Victoria Edel,
People.com,
28 July 2025
-
Before the cast came out on stage, the Hall H audience was treated to a clip from the film, which showed Bridges from the original Tron playing an arcade game, along with other SFX shots from the groundbreaking movie.—
Wesley Stenzel,
EW.com,
26 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share