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.
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Recent Examples of seminal
Together, uncertainty and hope keep limerence alive, as experimental psychologist Dorothy Tennov, PhD, explained in her seminal work, Love and Limerence.
—
Amanda McCracken, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
The concept of dogfighting amongst the stars has been around far longer than video games set in space, but it's been a linchpin of some of the most seminal games ever developed.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
In the years that followed the success of The Roots’ seminal record, the Philadelphia native has built a career spanning chart-topping singles, film and television roles, and a lasting imprint on hip-hop culture.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The core challenge of saltwater exposure is osmotic imbalance, as seminal research from the Journal of Experimental Zoology explains.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Amanda McCracken, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026
The concept of dogfighting amongst the stars has been around far longer than video games set in space, but it's been a linchpin of some of the most seminal games ever developed.
—Alan Bradley, Space.com, 31 Jan. 2026
In the years that followed the success of The Roots’ seminal record, the Philadelphia native has built a career spanning chart-topping singles, film and television roles, and a lasting imprint on hip-hop culture.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 30 Jan. 2026
The core challenge of saltwater exposure is osmotic imbalance, as seminal research from the Journal of Experimental Zoology explains.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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Many consider Hunt to be the most well-rounded candidate, given her credentials as a former journalist, her familiarity with the BBC, track record of backing hits like Slow Horses and Sherlock, and her experience at one of the world’s most influential tech companies.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
5 Feb. 2026
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Online, conservatives have threatened to boycott the Super Bowl and the NFL more broadly, with influential voices like Newsmax host Greg Kelly and Tomi Lahren openly criticizing the league for choosing Bad Bunny as the performer.—
Lisa Respers France,
CNN Money,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The news marks the latest acquisition by the Schorsch family's Heritage Group, which began acquiring historic Newport restaurants in 2017 and has since expanded their portfolio to restaurants in Providence, North Kingstown, South Kingstown and Middletown.—
Kathleen Hill,
The Providence Journal,
7 Feb. 2026
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At any time of year, head to the Downtown Arts District centered around historic Canal Street to enjoy murals and public art as well as a concentration of galleries and studios.—
Skye Sherman,
Southern Living,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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As for the ever important flame, a high-performance burner powered by bio-GPL produced from 100 percent renewable feedstocks by energy company ENI is at the core of the torch.—
Laura Baisas,
Popular Science,
6 Feb. 2026
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Its mass is the most important factor in determining both its lifetime and its fate, with other secondary factors, such as metallicity (or the fraction of heavy elements present within it), also playing a role.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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My thinking ultimately derived from my response to Slate and NPR’s new Black film canon project, which was an authoritative list of 50 films.—
Zac Ntim,
Deadline,
11 Feb. 2026
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Duah’s authoritative finish in the 68th minute stood as the largest goal of the two matches.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The film received strong critical acclaim upon its release, holding a 95% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.—
Joe Otterson,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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Some 25 million people viewed the spot, by the way, but only 15 commented on it, and most were critical.—
Steven Zeitchik,
HollywoodReporter,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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At least five competing proposals have emerged from major coalitions, several of which have fractured in recent days as internal disputes deepened.—
JACQUELINE CHARLES MIAMI HERALD,
Arkansas Online,
6 Feb. 2026
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This latest release coincides with a major celebration of his spiritual organization, the incarnation month of its second guru, Shah Satnam Singh.—
Rhea Mogul,
CNN Money,
6 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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The 2026 Winter Olympics officially opened on Friday, Feb, 6, 2026, with a groundbreaking opening ceremony that took place across multiple venues in Italy — a first in Winter Olympics history.—
Angelica Leicht,
CBS News,
7 Feb. 2026
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This isn’t a new or groundbreaking concept in soccer.—
Daniel Sperry,
Kansas City Star,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 14 Feb. 2026.
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