as in influential
very important especially in having a strong influence on things that come later
She authored several seminal papers that are frequently cited in later works because they laid the theoretical groundwork for future studies.
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Recent Examples of seminal
In their seminal 1976 book, One Potato, Two Potato: The Folklore of American Children, Herbert and Mary Knapp described cooties as a kind of sport.
—
Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy all took the stage during a panel conversation celebrating the seminal coming-of-age drama at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo yesterday.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
According to a synopsis, the book focuses on Smith’s teenage years, her foray into the world of poetry, and the recording of seminal works such as her Horses and Easter albums.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Around the same time as The Maxx, Haley contributed voice work to Blizzard Entertainment's seminal video game Diablo.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Bruce Handy, The Atlantic, 16 Apr. 2025
Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Judd Nelson, Molly Ringwald and Ally Sheedy all took the stage during a panel conversation celebrating the seminal coming-of-age drama at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo yesterday.
—Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 Apr. 2025
According to a synopsis, the book focuses on Smith’s teenage years, her foray into the world of poetry, and the recording of seminal works such as her Horses and Easter albums.
—Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 10 Apr. 2025
Around the same time as The Maxx, Haley contributed voice work to Blizzard Entertainment's seminal video game Diablo.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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Two influential New York City labor unions that backed Mayor Eric Adams in 2021 switched their support on Monday to former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, reflecting his growing dominance as the race for mayor accelerates.—
Nicholas Fandos,
New York Times,
14 Apr. 2025
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The Obama operatives have held control or at a minimum been highly influential in the Democratic Party’s 2016, 2020 and 2024 campaigns.—
Amie Parnes,
The Hill,
14 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Besides properties of historic interest, the Charlotte History Museum is presenting a few other awards, as well.—
Heidi Finley,
Charlotte Observer,
18 Apr. 2025
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The new measurements may lead researchers toward a historic discovery.—
Daniel Apai,
The Conversation,
18 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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This Milan Design Week was an important one for Louis Vuitton.—
Liam Hess,
Vogue,
10 Apr. 2025
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Team sources say David Adelman, whose steadiness and calm demeanor is in stark contrast to Malone’s manner, has a tremendous amount of support from the most important players.—
Sam Amick,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Leadership is often associated with grand speeches, authoritative presence and a commanding voice.—
Mohammad Bahareth,
Forbes.com,
9 Apr. 2025
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There are lots of ways to be an authoritative parent, which can leave moms and dads (but mostly moms) feeling rudderless.—
Gail Cornwall,
The Atlantic,
3 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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People around the world squinted to decipher the numbers that would reset critical economic relationships.—
Time,
Time,
10 Apr. 2025
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With key players sidelined, Sacramento will now have to lean heavily on its depth during a critical stretch of the season, but at the worst possible time.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
-
In yet another major turn amid growing sectarian violence elsewhere in Syria, Sharaa and SDF leader Mazloum Abdi announced Monday an agreement through which the SDF would be integrated into the central government.—
Faisal Kutty,
Newsweek,
11 Mar. 2025
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Superhot rock offers a major increase in energy output compared to conventional geothermal power.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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The forthcoming graphic novel celebrates the groundbreaking impact of Black Sunday, taking readers on a journey through the making of the album and its everlasting impact.—
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady,
Billboard,
8 Apr. 2025
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The groundbreaking event takes place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 7:30 PM at the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall.—
Okla Jones,
Essence,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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