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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Beyond artists like Catlett and Biggers – who have earned renown as influential masters, but not the art market compensation of their white peers – The Bronx Museum shines a spotlight on emerging artists whose work challenges cultural and social norms and whisks viewers out of their comfort zones.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
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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Chamizal, a national memorial: 800 S San Marcial St, El Paso El Camino Real de los Tejas, a national historic trail: see trail map here El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a national historic trail: runs through Texas and New Mexico.—
Ella Gonzales,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 Apr. 2025
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Gain an edge with CNBC Pro LIVE , an exclusive, inaugural event at the historic New York Stock Exchange.—
Brian Evans,
CNBC,
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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This is massively important for both teams trying to avoid the Play-In Tournament.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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In this authoritative, elegant biography, Daut meticulously combs the torrents of contemporary letters and broadsheets to draw a complex, contradictory portrait of Christophe, also known as King Henry.—
Foreign Affairs,
Foreign Affairs,
22 Apr. 2025
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The distant therapist Not too long ago, therapists acted like black boxes and authoritative gods.—
David E. Tolchinsky,
The Conversation,
17 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Having visibility across not only tier 1 but tier 2 and 3 suppliers to navigate risk, disruption, trade and more is critical.—
Sarah Jones,
Sourcing Journal,
10 Apr. 2025
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The win was also critical for the Lakers (49-31) who are the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference and remain 1 1/2 games ahead of the rival Clippers in the loaded West.—
Adam Zagoria,
Forbes.com,
10 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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The series has achieved cult status among Indian cinema enthusiasts and remains the country’s only major female cop franchise.—
Naman Ramachandran,
Variety,
21 Apr. 2025
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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has a major advantage here: Google is guilty.—
Ryan Whitwam,
ArsTechnica,
21 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
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