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
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
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
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
Mexico has many must-see attractions—jungles, cathedrals, ancient temples, and mighty beaches—and its archeology and scenery are exemplary, and its food and nightlife legendary.
—Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
This creation from Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is exemplary of former creative director Jonathan Anderson’s penchant for infusing sophistication and whimsy into the brand’s designs.
—Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Eoghan O’Connell was exemplary in his reading of the game, snuffing out several promising Wigan moves as the ball arrived in the penalty area.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
This exemplary performance was noted in the coverage with some curiosity because Putin came late to the sport.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exemplary
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Alex Ledsom, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
This creation from Spanish luxury fashion house Loewe is exemplary of former creative director Jonathan Anderson’s penchant for infusing sophistication and whimsy into the brand’s designs.
—Hali Bey Ramdene, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2025
Eoghan O’Connell was exemplary in his reading of the game, snuffing out several promising Wigan moves as the ball arrived in the penalty area.
—Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2025
This exemplary performance was noted in the coverage with some curiosity because Putin came late to the sport.
—Alexis Simendinger, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for exemplary
Cite this Entry
“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplary. Accessed 2 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exemplary
adjective
ex·em·pla·ry
ig-ˈzem-plə-rē
: deserving to be imitated : commendable
exemplary behavior
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