exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

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

Synonyms of exemplify

• illustrate
• demonstrate

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

The film’s naughty, not-quite-PG side is perfectly exemplified by its titular hero. — Marta Balaga, Variety, 16 Sep. 2026

The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was established in 2002 to honor an individual in the television industry whose humanitarian efforts exemplify those of its namesake and his altruism. — Maira Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 15 Sep. 2026

Princess Moss, the new president of the National Education Association, exemplifies it. — Dana Stangel-Plowe, Washington Post, 14 Sep. 2026

The player buy-in is exemplified by the star quarterback, who has spoken boldly about the offense’s potential, responded to Doyle’s hard coaching and put in the work on the field and in meeting rooms. — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 10 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien "to demonstrate by example, serve as a model, validate a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French exemplifier "to make an official copy of (a document)," borrowed from Medieval Latin exemplificāre "to adduce as an example, copy," from Latin exemplum example entry 1 + -ificāre -ify

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exemplify

• acidify
• alveoli
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

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