Meaning & use

seminal

adjective·Advanced

Strongly influencing later developments; highly original and important, especially in a field of thought or art.

See it in a sentence

The scientist's seminal paper on genetics changed the course of biological research.

Many consider the album a seminal work in the history of jazz.

A note on using this word

"Seminal" is reserved for works or ideas judged genuinely foundational, not simply popular or well-liked.

Words with a similar meaning

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

derivativeunoriginal

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