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
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
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
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Beachy handbags, light jackets, classic pearls, chunky boots—your choice of accompaniments can take things from romantic to edgy to eclectic.—
Kelsey Stiegman,
Glamour,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Many vintage fashion enthusiasts and Lilly Pulitzer collectors specifically seek out white label pieces for their classic prints, silhouettes, and legacy value.—
Nicole Letts,
Southern Living,
28 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The White House correspondents will also hand out awards for exemplary reporting.—
David Bauder,
Chicago Tribune,
25 Apr. 2026
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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
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But beyond that, this conflict has a dramatic, even archetypal, quality to it, pitting polar opposites against each other.—
Peter Wehner,
The Atlantic,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Billy Idol, their frontman, was a member of the Bromley Contingent, an influential cluster of Pistols acolytes on the early punk scene, alongside Siouxsie Sioux and the archetypal model Soo Catwoman.—
Alex Robert Ross,
Pitchfork,
5 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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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
Adjective
-
State Republican lawmakers didn’t offer definitive assessments of the map on Monday.—
Anthony Man,
Sun Sentinel,
27 Apr. 2026
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The story behind sports’ most universal gesture is a genuine historical mystery with at least two credible origin claims, a handful of murkier ones and no definitive answer.—
Hanna Wickes,
Charlotte Observer,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Soft white sand, clear waters and excellent surf draw beachgoers to this vast beach.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
30 Apr. 2026
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This makes buffalo grass an excellent choice for naturally controlling soil erosion.—
Lee Wallender,
The Spruce,
30 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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The breezy material is perfect for keeping cool during the day, yet dressy enough to pair with sandals and a slinky top for an evening out.—
Sophie Dodd,
Travel + Leisure,
29 Apr. 2026
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Set yourself up for summer entertaining with this rearrangeable option that fits up to six people, or snag a dining table and stools that a reviewer said are perfect for al fresco meals.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
Better Homes & Gardens,
29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Hart, however, made a wonderful senator, a model public servant and an inspiring statesman.—
John T. Shaw,
Chicago Tribune,
27 Apr. 2026
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ChatOn’s main advantage is multi-model access.—
StackCommerce Team,
PC Magazine,
22 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Paradigmatic.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/paradigmatic. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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