paradigmatic

American  

[par-uh-dig-mat-ik] / ˌpær ə dɪgˈmæt ɪk /

Sometimes paradigmatical

adjective

1. of or relating to a paradigm.

2. Linguistics. pertaining to a relationship among linguistic elements that can substitute for each other in a given context, as the relationship of sun in The sun is shining to other nouns, as moon, star, or light, that could substitute for it in that sentence, or of is shining to was shining, shone, will shine, etc., as well as to is rising, is setting, etc.

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Other Word Forms

• paradigmatically adverb

Etymology

Origin of paradigmatic

1655–65; < Greek paradeigmatikós, equivalent to paradeigmat-, stem of parádeigma paradigm + -ikos -ic

Compare meaning

How does paradigmatic compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• syntagmatic vs. paradigmatic

Explanation

The adjective paradigmatic is a fancy word for describing something that is an ideal or standard. Monet's paintings are paradigmatic of impressionism — they are a typical example of that style of art. Use paradigmatic when you're talking about things that are archetypal or representative of some category and you want to sound impressive. You'll come across it if you study the subject of linguistics, where "paradigmatic analysis" is one way of analyzing a text, by examining patterns within it. The Greek word for "pattern," paradeigma, is the root of paradigmatic.

Example Sentences

Some works are paradigmatic, some rather generic; the inclusion of others is perplexing.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 28, 2026

The board proved vulnerable to manipulation by Musk, "the paradigmatic 'Superstar CEO,'" wrote McCormick, who upheld her determination in December 2024 following an appeal.

From Barron's • Dec. 19, 2025

“Something like this is the paradigmatic example of substantial risk of serious harm” Kendrick continued, “and the failure of the county to act for almost 20 years is the textbook definition of deliberate indifference.”

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 27, 2024

Paradigm shifts are comparatively rare, and only induced by repeated, persistent violations of the paradigmatic assumptions.

From Salon • Oct. 21, 2023

Despite overkill’s failure to enjoy full acceptance, it helped set in stone what became the paradigmatic image of the first Americans.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann