exemplar

noun

ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär 

-plər,

eg-

: one that serves as a model or example: such as

a

: an ideal model

b

: a typical or standard specimen

an exemplar of medieval architecture

c

: a copy of a book or writing

d

: idea sense 4c

Synonyms

• case
• example
• exemplification
• illustration
• instance
• prototype
• representative
• sample
• specimen

Choose the Right Synonym for exemplar

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of exemplar in a Sentence

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

Recent Examples on the Web

Additionally, the movement from domestic mayhem to cosmic absurdity evokes the works of Paula Vogel and Sarah Ruhl, American exemplars of magic realism. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 16 Apr. 2025

Yet Malick, though a living exemplar of the ideal of the auteur, has benefitted less from this phenomenon than other directors of his generation and calibre. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025

Artists like Marden, Samaras, Serra, and Stella—and so many others—were products and exemplars of a density of activity at the highest level, and which seemed unmatched elsewhere. —Barry Schwabsky, Artforum, 1 Dec. 2024

Columnist Gustavo Arellano chats with professor Denise Sandoval, who is perhaps the premier scholar on lowrider culture and also an exemplar of what an academic should be. —Ryan Fonseca, Los Angeles Times, 12 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from exemplum example

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

exemplar

noun

ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär 

-plər

1

: one that serves as a model or pattern

especially : an ideal model

2

: a typical example