paragon
9 synonyms and 1 antonym for paragon, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a quality.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use paragon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
a paragon of virtue
paragon of excellence
Etymology
From Italian paragone, from paragonare ("to test against a touchstone"), from Greek roots meaning "to sharpen or whet" — the idea of testing something against a standard.
Full origin of paragon →Frequently asked questions
What does “paragon” mean?
The word “paragon” means a person or thing regarded as a perfect example of a quality. In plain terms, a perfect model or example of some quality, often virtue.
How do you pronounce “paragon”?
“Paragon” is pronounced PA-ruh-guhn (/ˈpæɹəˌɡɔn/ in IPA).
How do you use “paragon” in a sentence?
Here is “paragon” used in a sentence: “She was held up as a paragon of patience.”
What part of speech is “paragon”?
“Paragon” is a noun.
Where does the word “paragon” come from?
The word “paragon” comes from Italian. From Italian paragone, from paragonare ("to test against a touchstone"), from Greek roots meaning "to sharpen or whet" — the idea of testing something against a standard.
