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
His work with fellow Italian Bertolucci is considered one of the most seminal filmmaking partnerships in history.
—
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flynn’s seminal memoir, which was adapted into a film starring Robert DeNiro, recently celebrated twenty years in print.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The next three weeks could be Aston Villa’s seminal period under Unai Emery, with the opportunity to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
When Benedict Nicolson published a seminal monograph on the artist in 1968, his subtitle was Painter of Light.
—Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 29 Apr. 2026
Flynn’s seminal memoir, which was adapted into a film starring Robert DeNiro, recently celebrated twenty years in print.
—Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026
The next three weeks could be Aston Villa’s seminal period under Unai Emery, with the opportunity to win a major trophy for the first time in 30 years.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
When Benedict Nicolson published a seminal monograph on the artist in 1968, his subtitle was Painter of Light.
—Julian Bell, The New York Review of Books, 25 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for seminal
Recent Examples of Synonyms for seminal
Adjective
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The center continued that Bugno had played an influential behind-the-scenes role in championing independent voices from regions historically marginalized within the global film industry, and notably the Arab World.—
Melanie Goodfellow,
Deadline,
7 May 2026
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The Legend award is given to one of TV’s most beloved and influential performers, with last year’s inaugural honor given to Parker Posey.—
Hilary Lewis,
HollywoodReporter,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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The Key West Tropical Forest & Botanical Garden, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year, contains historic butterfly gardens and flora native to the Florida Keys, Cuba and the Caribbean.—
Patrick Connolly,
The Orlando Sentinel,
2 May 2026
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Set the scene In the heart of Center City, W Philadelphia adds a dash of style to the city’s historic landscape.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 May 2026
Adjective
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Purrazzo stressed how important giving back to military veterans was to her in an interview with Fox News Digital earlier this week, especially as a military wife.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2026
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But while the headline figure of peak speed is a head-turner, the more important goal is high sustained speed.—
Andrew Rice,
New York Times,
7 May 2026
Adjective
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Every Tuesday, this new newsletter will deliver clear-eyed, authoritative intelligence on the deals, decisions, policies, and power shifts shaping one of the world’s most consequential regions, written for the people who need to act on it.—
Jim Edwards,
Fortune,
4 May 2026
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Denver landed an authoritative punch in the second and third quarters of Game 1 to open this playoff series against the Timberwolves.—
Jace Frederick,
Twin Cities,
27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
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Three residents died at the scene, while five more were hospitalized with critical injuries, FDNY officials said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
5 May 2026
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As Mercury squares Pluto, feedback or a conversation may feel more intense or critical than expected.—
Tarot.com,
Hartford Courant,
5 May 2026
Adjective
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Cloudflare executives added that the company is hoping to avoid further major layoffs.—
Queenie Wong,
Los Angeles Times,
8 May 2026
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Even in the absence of major unemployment shocks, inequality will likely increase as returns to capital exponentially outstrip those to labor.—
Gideon Lewis-Kraus,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
Adjective
-
Miami-Dade County commissioners are fond of heaping praise on the Miami Center for Mental Health and Rehabilitation, calling it a groundbreaking facility that will save lives and likely save the county millions of dollars.—
Jim DeFede,
CBS News,
26 Apr. 2026
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Liu's lead role in the movie marked a groundbreaking moment for Asian representation in Hollywood.—
Staff Author,
PEOPLE,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Seminal.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/seminal. Accessed 8 May. 2026.
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