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( a really REALLY bad situation )

This situation __ FUBAR

Some synonyms I can come up with:


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closed as not a real question by Shog9 Nov 14 '11 at 21:47


The definition of irony: Not knowing the difference between a definition and an example. –  Andrew Grimm Sep 19 '11 at 2:51
So what is wrong with the "synonyms" you have already? Did you plug them into a thesaurus and fail to find anything useful? A good question of this type should explain what you tried to do, and why it didn't work for you - you've got the first part, but... what's wrong with the results you came up with? –  Shog9 Nov 14 '11 at 21:48

8 Answers 8

How about "epitome."

"This situation is the epitome of FUBAR."

If you want a verb, there's "epitomizes", but I like the noun better.

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Yet another answer: quintessence, sense 1, "A thing that is the most perfect example of its type; the most perfect embodiment of something."

A related term is paradigm, sense 1, "An example serving as a model or pattern; a template."

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Means to entirely cover something.

In the same register as 'FUBAR', one would use the phrasing:

This situation is totally FUBAR.

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I've always liked "embodies" and "incarnate."

"This situation embodies FUBAR."

"This situation is FUBAR incarnate."

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"exemplifies" is a great term for this, as it refers to providing an example.

illustrates and depicts will also work here.

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This situation defines FUBAR.

If you want to completely embody the meaning of a term then I would reason that the situation is a definition for the term so therefore it defines it.

Giving an example by illustration or comparison by epitome seem to be one step removed from a complete embodiment or definition.

If you're not keen on the verb then go this way:

This situation is, the definition of, FUBAR.

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See my comment for this question. –  Andrew Grimm Sep 19 '11 at 4:19

When you're talking about someone rather than something or some situation, you can use personifies or one of its other forms....

Charles is the very personification of narrow-mindedness.

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As an alternative to all of the above.

Boil it down.

This situation is FUBAR.

I think the word "is" is what what you're after.

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