epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1

: to serve as the typical or ideal example of

2

: to make or give an epitome of

Synonyms

• abstract
• boil down
• brief
• digest
• encapsulate
• outline
• recap
• recapitulate
• reprise
• sum up
• summarize
• synopsize
• wrap up

Examples of epitomize in a Sentence

This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools.

his personal code of behavior on the playing field is epitomized by his favorite saying, “Nice guys finish last”

Recent Examples on the Web

Lightweight and affordable thanks to monocoque fiberglass construction (at first) plus easily accessible Volkswagen parts, the Manx epitomized a carefree lifestyle perfectly wrought in three dimensions. —Michael Teo Van Runkle, Forbes.com, 3 Apr. 2025

Timely offense, epitomized by Teoscar Hernández’s go-ahead, three-run home run in the fifth inning off reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal, and Shohei Ohtani’s solo blast in the seventh for a key insurance run. —Houston Mitchell, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025

Read More: Why Colleges Don’t Know What to Do About Campus Protests The famous 1968 case of the East Los Angeles walkouts epitomized this kind of sustained pressure. — Made By History, Time, 27 Mar. 2025

Industrious and persistent, Ono epitomized the hustling artist’s lifestyle, seeking out collaborations and negotiating exhibition spaces for her installations, divisive instruction pieces (assembled in her 1964 book Grapefruit) and participatory performances (like Cut Piece). —Beatrice Loayza, ARTnews.com, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for epitomize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz 

epitomized; epitomizing

: to make or serve as an epitome of