exemplary

adjective

ex·​em·​pla·​ry ig-ˈzem-plə-rē 

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

ˌeg-ˌzem-ˈpler-ə-lē 

adverb

exemplariness

ig-ˈzem-plə-rē-nəs 

noun

exemplarity

ˌeg-ˌzem-ˈpler-ə-tē 

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.

Synonyms

• archetypal
• archetypical
• classic
• definitive
• imitable
• model
• paradigmatic
• quintessential
• textbook

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

Each woman was celebrated for demonstrating an exemplary role in California’s innovation and progress. —Los Angeles Times, 25 Mar. 2024

So long as his beautiful mistress stood near, Ringo behaved with exemplary propriety. —David Frum, The Atlantic, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see exemplar

First Known Use

circa 1507, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

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Kids Definition

exemplary

adjective

ex·​em·​pla·​ry ig-ˈzem-plə-rē 

: deserving to be imitated : commendable

exemplary behavior

exemplarily

ˌeg-ˌzem-ˈpler-ə-lē 

adverb