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quintessential

/ˌkwɪntɪˈsɛnʃ(ə)l/adjective

Being the clearest and most typical example of something.

Example sentences

  • “A picnic in the park is the quintessential summer afternoon.”
  • “With its yellow cabs and crowded sidewalks, the street was the quintessential New York scene.”

From 'quintessence', the fifth element of medieval philosophy, purer than earth or fire. Now a fancy way to say most perfectly typical.

Featured as word of the day on April 13, 2026.

Synonyms for quintessential

  • typical
  • classic
  • archetypal
  • prototypical
  • ultimate

Antonyms

  • atypical

Find it in: Advanced English words.

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