exemplary

adjective

ex·​em·​pla·​ry ig-ˈzem-plə-rē How to pronounce exemplary (audio)
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 adverb
exemplariness noun
exemplarity noun

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An Exemplary Etymology

Exemplary (and its close relatives example and exemplify) derives from the Latin noun exemplum ("example"). When exemplary describes something as "excellent," it almost always carries the further suggestion that the thing described is worthy of imitation.

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 At this year’s ceremony, Gorman will be presented with the Chairman’s Award, bestowed in recognition of individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their distinct platforms to create agents of change. Zoe G Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 5 Mar. 2024 The Chairman’s Award is awarded to individuals who demonstrate exemplary public service and use their platforms to create change. Paul Grein, Billboard, 5 Mar. 2024 News of the Clarkes' awards was announced in King Charles’ 2024 New Year Honours List in December 2023, recognizing those in the U.K. who have demonstrated exemplary service or achievement in their respective fields. Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 2024 For decades, Uganda’s campaign against H.I.V. was exemplary, slashing the country’s death rate by nearly 90 percent from 1990 to 2019. Apoorva Mandavilli Esther Ruth Mbabazi, New York Times, 19 Jan. 2024 Here are some of the reasons for their exemplary anatomical support: Promoting proper alignment: Buckwheat and millet hulls naturally conform to the body's anatomy and alignment. Sixteen Ramos, USA TODAY, 14 Jan. 2024 In 2021, his costar, Will Estes, told Looper that Selleck was an exemplary co-worker. Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 16 Feb. 2024 Establish peer-to-peer recognition initiatives where exemplary efforts are celebrated, fostering a culture of acknowledgment and camaraderie. Naz Beheshti, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024 Lucy Hiller is an exceptional young woman who has consistently demonstrated remarkable academic prowess and exemplary leadership skills throughout her time at Southport High School. Joe Mutascio, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exemplary.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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Dictionary Entries Near exemplary

Cite this Entry

“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplary. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exemplary

adjective
ex·​em·​pla·​ry ig-ˈzem-plə-rē How to pronounce exemplary (audio)
: deserving to be imitated : commendable
exemplary behavior
exemplarily adverb

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