epitomize

verb

epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpi-tə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing

transitive verb

1
: to serve as the typical or ideal example of
2
: to make or give an epitome of

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 Everyone was passing, smartly, beautifully, the run epitomized by a three-toss sequence from Davis to James to a trey-sinking Austin Reaves that was so picturesque, all three guys posed. Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2024 Another factor is the unholy churn of fast fashion, a business model epitomized by notorious brands like FashionNova and Shein, whose output makes older fast-fashion merchants look quaint. Jonah Weiner, New York Times, 3 Mar. 2024 Quality remains paramount, epitomized by the just-in-time philosophy and emphasizing doing things right the first time. Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 Cadet Casas-Hernandez epitomizes the spirit of excellence and service within our program. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Mar. 2024 The once-standard office culture that epitomized Corporate America for decades is slowly withering away. Jack Kelly, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 Perhaps no city along Texas’s border with Mexico has better epitomized what can happen when local leaders and volunteers band together to help the thousands of men, women and children seeking a new life in the United States than Brownsville. Arelis R. Hernández, Washington Post, 29 Feb. 2024 Materials: Raffia-like yarn Colors: Available in mint green, pink, black and white Size: 14.1'' W x 14.9'' H x 1.1'' D Features: Crochet design, unlined 4/23 The Row Idaho Leather Tote What designer epitomizes quiet luxury more than The Row? Paula Lee, Glamour, 26 Feb. 2024 Of course there’s a look, epitomized in the confident, authentic glamor of Dolly Parton, Tina Turner and Mariah Carey. Aj Willingham, CNN, 20 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'epitomize.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of epitomize was in 1594

Dictionary Entries Near epitomize

Cite this Entry

“Epitomize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epitomize. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

epitomize

verb
epit·​o·​mize i-ˈpit-ə-ˌmīz How to pronounce epitomize (audio)
epitomized; epitomizing
: to make or serve as an epitome of

More from Merriam-Webster on epitomize

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