exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce exemplify (audio)
exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1
: to show or illustrate by example
anecdotes exemplifying those virtues
2
: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal
3
a
: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody
she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader
b
: to be typical of
a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period. The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The brand’s contemporary designs exemplify resilience, individuality and excellence. Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 15 July 2025 In Season 3, the ultra-rich — as exemplified by a trio of reuniting gal pals, a family and its trio of young adult siblings, and an age-gap couple — take to a premier wellness resort in Thailand to escape (for better and for worse) the fraught realities of their daily life. Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 15 July 2025 The four remaining couples who competed in the finale perfectly exemplify how incredibly stupid this season was: not a single couple had been exploring their connection before Casa Amor, and two of the pairs had only coupled up in the final week. Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 14 July 2025 And in many ways, small, independent retailers exemplify the movement. Dax Dasilva, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemplify was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exemplify.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplify. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb
ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī How to pronounce exemplify (audio)
exemplified; exemplifying
1
: to show by example
the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity
2
: to serve as an example of
she exemplifies a good leader
exemplification
-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on exemplify

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