1
as in original
something from which copies are made
Beowulf is considered by some scholars to be the archetype for medieval British heroic tales
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in forerunner
something belonging to an earlier time from which something else was later developed
the abacus is sometimes cited as the archetype of the modern digital calculator
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 archetype
This genre fluidity allows the spiritual to heighten the narrative, dealing with archetypes like the supernaturally gifted musician.
—
Robert Lang, Deadline, 18 Dec. 2025
All the Santas included in the study reported having successfully carved out space for themselves in their profession, despite how Santa is often visualized through a narrow archetype.
—Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025
And like these legendary characters of literature, the most dynamic Survivor players pave the way for new archetypes—Parvati, Sandra, Rupert, Tony.
—Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 2025
Creator Mike Makowsky shapes the source material, Candice Millard’s nonfiction book Destiny of the Republic, into a collection of quintessentially American archetypes.
—Judy Berman, Time, 28 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for archetype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetype
Noun
-
Over two decades after the original, the cast reunited with enthusiasm, celebrating the humor and heart that made the film resonate for generations.—
-
There are some good aftermarket sensors (tire stores know which ones) that are cheaper than the original.—
Noun
-
Perfected by forerunners such as Fiona Apple and Alanis Morissette, this fall has already seen two music stars gift us with lay-it-all-out-there lyrics.—
-
The Park cinema launched under the ownership of Cineplex Odeon Cinemas, a forerunner of Cineplex and today an operator of multiplexes and out of home destinations.—
Noun
-
Therefore, seeing multiple green aircraft together strongly suggests serial (repeat) production, not one-off prototypes.—
-
As Milligan points out in a prototype demo, the tracks feature drainage holes on the outside to keep the water moving outward instead of pooling and potentially leaking inside.—
Noun
-
In October 2024, the lab firm used genealogical mapping, in which unidentified DNA is traced to relatives and ancestors to produce a more precise genetic profile and possible identity, to point to Contreras, according to the affidavit.—
-
Over ten million years ago, long before the human species existed, our hominid ancestors adapted to metabolize alcohol.—
Noun
-
Hoyer plans to formally announce his retirement in a speech on the House floor Thursday morning, the source said.—
-
The source claims the couple don't spend much time together otherwise, beyond their joint public appearances.—
Noun
-
Nya Lödöse was an important precursor to modern-day Gothenburg, located in the city’s eastern part between 1473 and 1624.—
-
Bogle introduced the first index fund for everyday investors, a precursor to the Vanguard 500.—
Cite this Entry
“Archetype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetype. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share