epitome

noun

i-ˈpi-tə-mē How to pronounce epitome (audio)
Definition of epitomenext
1
as in summary
a short statement of the main points the golden rule is often cited as the epitome of moral conduct: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you"

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in manifestation
a visible representation of something abstract (as a quality) the prestigious prep school prides itself on being widely regarded as the epitome of tradition and old-fashioned values in his finely tailored suit, he was the very epitome of style and sophistication

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in classic
the most perfect type or example Mahatma Gandhi is often cited as the epitome of resolute reformer who uses nonviolence to bring about social and political change

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 epitome Detractors might write this off as the epitome of millennial cringe but for a new generation, the peplum is just waiting to be embraced as yet another vestige of the era that feels fresh again. — Diana Tsui, Footwear News, 15 June 2026 It’s organized by season, which is appropriate since farmers markets are the epitome of seasonality, and the recipes are grouped by key ingredient. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 26 June 2026 Kate Middleton was the epitome of bravery over the weekend, taking part in the grueling Three Peaks Challenge that saw her hike a total of 23 miles in 24 hours. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 29 June 2026 First-round pick Gleb Pugachyov is the epitome of filling that need, a 6-foot-3, 224-pound battering ram of a winger who has some skill to complement that physicality. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 26 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for epitome
Recent Examples of Synonyms for epitome
  1. summary
  2. manifestation
  3. classic
  4. summa
  5. incarnation
  6. ideal
  7. outline
  8. essence
Noun
  • Although the court livestreams the audio of oral arguments, that’s not the case for the summaries the justices give of their opinions.
    — Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 1 July 2026
  • The three liberal justices dissented as to the Equal Protection Clause, and Justice Sonia Sotomayor read a summary of her dissent from the bench.
    — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 30 June 2026
Definition of summary
Noun
  • Your question is a manifestation of handwringing, and so, yeah, a lot of people don’t pay attention to it, and that’s okay, and a lot of people do, and that’s better.
    — Ted Johnson, Deadline, 2 July 2026
  • Meta’s compute business is also the latest manifestation of the circular economy in the AI race, like SpaceX’s recent decision to rent out data center space to Anthropic.
    — Rachyl Jones, semafor.com, 1 July 2026
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • The first two movies established themselves as genre classics, combining heart-stopping action with futuristic sci-fi that explored the threat of AI bringing about an apocalypse.
    — Sergio Pereira, Space.com, 3 July 2026
  • Today, Culinary Hill has grown into a site that’s 1,379 recipes strong, including classics such as sloppy joes and slow cooker meatballs with grape jelly sauce.
    — Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of classic
Noun
  • The stage was set for the Fourth, whose five movements add up to a summa of Bartók’s art, by turns tenaciously labored, sinuously swirling, nocturnally eerie, pizzicato-punchy, and flat-out wild.
    — Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 25 Mar. 2024
  • Alas, Dostoevsky — all of whose major characters clearly embody aspects of his own extremist personality — died in 1881, shortly after completing this summa of his most deeply felt themes and obsessions.
    — Michael Dirda, Washington Post, 24 Aug. 2023
Definition of summa
Noun
  • None of them had heard of the Village People, which still tours in its latest incarnation, with a Willis lookalike on lead vocals.
    — George Varga, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 July 2026
  • The investment comes during the run-up to a milestone for the modern incarnation of the sport, which was invented centuries ago by Native Americans, with its inclusion in the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
    — Dade Hayes, Deadline, 30 June 2026
Definition of incarnation
Noun
  • This can fuel a return to regressive ideals of masculinity and virility.
    — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 6 July 2026
  • Universities, like every organization, must balance educational ideals with monetary realities, demographic pressures, legal constraints, and institutional priorities.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
Definition of ideal
Noun
  • He is credited as the first and most significant contributor to South Florida archaeology of the time, classifying materials, recording 49 sites across Miami-Dade and making the first outline of a chronology of indigenous habitation.
    — Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026
  • The images featured the model and entrepreneur in a sheer white blouse, and several of the photos revealed the outline of her right nipple.
    — Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 29 June 2026
Definition of outline
Noun
  • The solution is to realize the importance of being rooted in the divine essence of God that has been given to everyone.
    — Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
  • In essence, Star Fox is the video game version of Alien or Terminator.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026
Definition of essence

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Cite this Entry

“Epitome.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/epitome. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of epitome for Spanish Speakers

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