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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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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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 Perhaps the most benign archetype is the social scammer—characters like Ferrell and Delvey, the subject of a viral New York magazine exposé that begat Shonda Rhimes’ sudsy Netflix hit Inventing Anna, who infiltrate exclusive scenes and leech off their superficial denizens. Judy Berman, TIME, 6 Feb. 2025 Adding a prone button makes all the difference, making Naoe the ultimate ninja and a good example of the Assassin archetype. John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025 These four archetypes offer a roadmap for leaders who want to create meaningful change. Chris Schembra, Rolling Stone, 10 Jan. 2025 The night will be hosted by Aldis Hodge—yes, the star and producer of Prime Video’s Cross and an actor who’s been steadily redefining Hollywood’s leading man archetype. Shelby Stewart, Essence, 28 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for archetype
Recent Examples of Synonyms for archetype
Noun
  • Equally, it was never considered by bid organizers to be a forerunner in bids to host the 2022 and 2026 men’s World Cup, the latter of which was successful and will be shared next year with Canada and Mexico.
    Adam Crafton, The Athletic, 6 Feb. 2025
  • While Cal State Fullerton isn’t the first campus to launch a Project Rebound program, the university has been among the forerunners in its expansion, becoming a model for Project Rebound programs at the other universities in the CSU system.
    Lou Ponsi, Orange County Register, 28 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The streaming service is the home to hit originals, such as Only Murders in the Building, The Bear, Paradise, Under the Bridge, Shogun and much more.
    Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Feb. 2025
  • The delicate gold chains holding Johnson’s Gucci dress together recalled another sensual and daring red carpet look: the safety pin dress, which through the years, has been worn by Anne Hathaway, Miley Cyrus, Kristen Stewart, and of course the vivacious original, Elizabeth Hurley in Versace.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Then the fire last month destroyed nearly everything inside the house: the handwritten letters from Ms. Edmiston’s father, who was once the mayor of Beverly Hills; a tin menorah that her ancestors brought from Russia and Poland; and, of course, nearly all the cookie jars.
    Corina Knoll, New York Times, 22 Feb. 2025
  • Because of this, many scientists believed that early and classic Neanderthals had a lower genetic diversity than their pre-Neanderthal ancestors.
    Discover Magazine, Discover Magazine, 21 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The prototype, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a concept the motorsports organization showed off last year, features a tri-motor powertrain that makes over 1,300 hp.
    Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Flying Whales has already raised over US$300 million of public and private funding, according to PitchBook, and is still a couple years out from testing a prototype ... at best.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Since the inception of the SAG Awards in 1994, only six actors have won the Oscar with SAG as their sole major precursor — and none of them were in lead actor.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 20 Feb. 2025
  • Such a filing is typically a precursor to a lawsuit.
    Marlene Lenthang, NBC News, 19 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Our fact-check sources Matt Reagan, Feb. 20, Phone interview with USA TODAY Thank you for supporting our journalism.
    Kate S. Petersen, USA TODAY, 22 Feb. 2025
  • That’s not to make mention of the Boston Red Sox, who completed their offseason with a three-year, $120 million agreement with Alex Bregman, a league source confirmed to The Athletic’s Chandler Rome on Wednesday.
    Tim Britton, The Athletic, 21 Feb. 2025

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“Archetype.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/archetype. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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