1
as in exemplary
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
classic designs in furniture that never go out of style
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in excellent
of the very best kind
one of the really classic comedies in the history of movies
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in distinctive
serving to identify as belonging to an individual or group
the anthropologist noted the classic facial features of the inhabitants of those islands
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in authoritative
being the most accurate and apparently thorough
the classic study of the alienation of the individual in modern urban society
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation
among women who have devoted themselves to a life of scientific inquiry, Marie Curie is one of the acknowledged classics
Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in masterpiece
something (as a work of art) that is a great achievement and often its creator's greatest achievement
the works of Michelangelo are regarded as classics of the sculptor's art
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in ideal
the most perfect type or example
his journey of discovery was a classic of arduous effort and fierce determination
Synonyms & Similar 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 classic
Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
The Dodgers already have one of the most classic home uniforms in sports.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
The new restaurant brings family recipes, locally sourced ingredients and a fresh perspective on diner classics to the Plaza Midwood/Plaza Shamrock area.
—Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classic
Adjective
Available in classic, large and travel sizes.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 28 Apr. 2026
The Dodgers already have one of the most classic home uniforms in sports.
—Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
Order Cuban classics at Versailles Restaurant, open since 1971, and finish with a walk through the Wynwood Walls outdoor street art museum.
—Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
The new restaurant brings family recipes, locally sourced ingredients and a fresh perspective on diner classics to the Plaza Midwood/Plaza Shamrock area.
—Charlotte Observer, 28 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for classic
Recent Examples of Synonyms for classic
Adjective
-
The White House correspondents will also hand out awards for exemplary reporting.—
David Bauder,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Over in Audubon Park, same date, same time, Mellow Market will be holding things down on the corner of East Winter Park Road and Corrine Drive, steps from Stardust Coffee & Film, and nearby strongholds like East End Market, The Salty and the exemplary Coro restaurant.—
Amy Drew Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
16 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
-
This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
What Makes Steller Sea Lions Different Beyond their size, Steller sea lions have distinctive habits and capabilities.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Images of her outside the hotel were splashed across tabloids, with The Carlyle’s distinctive gold revolving door in the background.—
Elise Taylor,
Vanity Fair,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
29 Apr. 2026
-
Denver landed an authoritative punch in the second and third quarters of Game 1 to open this playoff series against the Timberwolves.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Some models feature replaceable blades, like the Milk Street Kitchen Precision peeler, which retails for $30, but by peeler standards that’s high.—
Jennifer Zyman,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
28 Apr. 2026
-
For four of these systems, the observations were sensitive enough to allow the astronomers to measure the masses of the component stars from first principles, independent of any guidance from theoretical models.—
Keith Cooper,
Space.com,
28 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
There was Jokic’s 56-point Christmas masterpiece this season, which ended with a frustrated Edwards getting ejected and laughed at by Ball Arena.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
25 Apr. 2026
-
Along the way, masterpieces are made, gloves are bedazzled, moons are walked.—
Spencer Kornhaber,
The Atlantic,
24 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The Catholic tradition has long sought to reform the world according to its ideals, even if that means working with people who have a very different understanding of the good.—
Elias Wachtel,
The Atlantic,
25 Apr. 2026
-
But their existence challenges the American ideal that suburban single-family houses are meant for homeowners, and their growth is now in jeopardy.—
Nathaniel Meyersohn,
CNN Money,
24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
Kentucky's famous liquor of choice is the star of the show in this quintessential cocktail.—
Mary Shannon Wells,
Southern Living,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Picnic benches are such classic, quintessential backyard tables.—
Tessa Cooper,
The Spruce,
25 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Classic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/classic. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
