Synonyms for archetype
Definitions
- n. 1
An original model of which all other similar concepts, objects, or persons are merely copied, derivative, emulated, or patterned.
Near-synonym: prototype (sometimes synonymous)
Related words
- Word family
- archetypal
Forms
- Plural
- archetypes → exemplars, models, paragons, paradigms…
Choose the right word
An example, however, may be more than a sample or specimen of any class; it may be the very archetype or prototype to which the whole class must conform, as when Christ is spoken of as being an example or leaving an example for his disciples.
J. C. Fernald, English Synonyms and Antonyms (1914)
Example sentences
- model He is very taken up with building model airplanes.
- paradigm You just need time to adjust to the new paradigm.
- paragon By all accounts, Fr. Mulligan was a paragon of virtue.
By length
- 4 letters
- type1
- 5 letters
- model2, pilot2, ideal2
- 6 letters
- mirror2
- 7 letters
- example3, pattern2, epitome4, paragon3
- 8 letters
- original4, paradigm3, exemplar3
- 9 letters
- prototype3, autograph3
- 12 letters
- quintessence3
The small number after each word is its number of syllables (model2 = 2 syllables).