exemplary

exemplary
adjective
ex·;em·;pla·;ry ig-;zem-pl;-r;
Synonyms of exemplary
1
a
: deserving imitation : commendable
his courage was exemplary
also : deserving imitation because of excellence
they serve exemplary pastries
—G. V. Higgins
b
: serving as a pattern
2
: serving as an example, instance, or illustration
this story is exemplary of her style
3
: serving as a warning : monitory
given an exemplary punishment
exemplarily
;eg-;zem-;pler-;-l;
 adverb
exemplariness
ig-;zem-pl;-r;-n;s
 noun
exemplarity
;eg-;zem-;pler-;-t;
 noun


Did you know?
An Exemplary Etymology

It’s usually not a good thing if someone wants to make an example of you, unless, of course, it’s because you happen to be exemplary. Imitation being the sincerest form of flattery, someone or something may be deemed exemplary if they, by their example, are worthy of imitation. Like a few other English words beginning with ex—such as exceptional and extraordinary—exemplary describes that which is a cut above the rest. But though exemplary, which comes from the Latin noun exemplum (“example”), describes something “excellent,” it almost always carries the further suggestion that the thing described is an excellent model to follow.

Synonyms
classic
excellent
superb
exceptional
perfect
unique
paradigmatic
wonderful
model
definitive
quintessential
archetypical
Examples of exemplary in a Sentence
Each cantina has its own style, but almost all of them share several key traits: uniformed waiters offering exemplary service, a trio of musicians strolling from table to table playing songs on request, lots of men playing dominoes, plenty of good tequila and cold beer, and tasty home-cooked botanas (snacks) served free with each round of drinks.
—Chris Humphrey, National Geographic Traveler, September 2008
A few Hollywood couples stayed hitched—Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 50 years and counting—but such exemplary marriages had less entertainment value than the connubial career of, say, Elizabeth Taylor, eight times wed and divorced, including two volatile turns with Richard Burton.
—Richard Corliss, Time, 28 Jan. 2008
Among the most important factors that distinguished the best Civil War regiments from the mediocre ones were the quality and exemplary courage of their officers.
—James M. McPherson, New York Review of Books, 6 Oct. 2005
as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community
armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The movie, The Last Class, which premiered on June 27, speaks to many of these issues in more detail and also shows his exemplary teaching style.
—Lucie Lapovsky, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The 22-year-old was booked 15 seconds into the opening group game against the Czech Republic, but responded with an exemplary display of defensive discipline and control in possession.
—Art De Roch;, New York Times, 20 June 2025
This is an opportunity to lead an extraordinary university at an extraordinary time — to build a truly connective, impactful and exemplary university.
—Jaweed Kaleem, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2025
The recognition awards cities and towns for providing excellent resources to hikers and serving as exemplary trail stewards.
—Eric J. Wallace, Outside Online, 31 May 2025

Word History
Etymology
see exemplar

First Known Use
circa 1507, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemplary was circa 1507
See more words from the same year
Browse Nearby Words
exemplarism
exemplary
exemplifiable