Definition of exemplary
1a
: 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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for exemplary
The first known use of exemplary was circa 1507
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