1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in original
something from which copies are made
Beowulf is considered by some scholars to be the archetype for medieval British heroic tales
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Recent Examples of archetype
Many of its heroes and villains fall into the same archetypes or roles that Blizzard’s characters have made popular with mainstream players.
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Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
For women in Hollywood, that archetype can be tough to escape — ask Meg Ryan.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
In addition, the FDA’s regulatory framework for drug development is often considered an archetype around the globe.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Short n’ Sweet is Carpenter fully leaning into the archetype forced upon her.
—Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for archetype 
Echo Apsey, Rolling Stone, 11 Dec. 2024
For women in Hollywood, that archetype can be tough to escape — ask Meg Ryan.
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 6 Dec. 2024
In addition, the FDA’s regulatory framework for drug development is often considered an archetype around the globe.
—Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024
Short n’ Sweet is Carpenter fully leaning into the archetype forced upon her.
—Pitchfork, 3 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for archetype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetype
Noun
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Its Shakti 360 Leti was the forerunner for luxury experiential travel more than 16 years ago, and in the wake of that lodge’s closure (and stone-by-stone dismantling), the new Shakti Prana in Kumaon will continue that evolution.Ann Abel, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
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Now unified under a mainstream banner, the genre has become a forerunner of popular music.Marcus K. Dowling, The Tennessean, 10 June 2024
Noun
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In 1920, a 400-pound ball was made from iron to replace the original.Hannah Parry, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024
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Donnell Thompson Donnell Thompson, a standout 6-4, 270-pound defensive end and one of the originals on the Indianapolis Colts roster that moved from Baltimore in 1984, died in September.John Tuohy, The Indianapolis Star, 31 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The heroine feels a sense of belonging; she is told that this is the home of her ancestors.Katy Waldman, The New Yorker, 6 Jan. 2025
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Martínez sought to both channel their energy and encourage younger generations to pursue the music of their ancestors.Solcyré Burga, TIME, 5 Jan. 2025
Noun
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To bring this idea to life, Khan recruited a team of engineers that helped to create a working prototype.William Mullane, The Tennessean, 22 Dec. 2024
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Some of the latter may be based on prototypes donated from outside Syria — possibly by Ukraine — and reverse-engineered locally with 3D printers, experts say.Lauren Frayer, NPR, 20 Dec. 2024
Noun
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For many people in the U.S., Christmas Eve may just be the precursor for the big Christmas celebration or the day to check off some last-minute holiday shopping.Julia Gomez, USA TODAY, 24 Dec. 2024
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The family has filed a claim against San Diego County, the precursor to a lawsuit.Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 23 Dec. 2024
Noun
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Though the police report was made public in November, sources said members of the Senate Armed Services Committee were seeking any evidence beyond what was included in the report, as well as any documents containing legal analysis or recommendations.Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 3 Jan. 2025
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For her recreation, Roan maintained the integrity of the source material, bravely committing to the bit as purple icy sludge sails into view from off camera and splashes her in the face.Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 2 Jan. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Archetype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetype. Accessed 9 Jan. 2025.
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