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 album featured a groundbreaking fusion of African rhythms and Western influences, exemplified by her collaboration with Alicia Keys on the title track. Ime Ekpo, Forbes.com, 5 July 2025 But few countries exemplify the trend more than South Korea, where a recent presidential election showed just how polarized its youth has become. Max Kim, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2025 For both Jongkind and Van Leeuwen, one of the players who best exemplified these eight principles was Abdelhak Nouri, a late developer with creativity running through his veins. Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 3 July 2025 Caucus Co-chair Assemblymember David Alvarez, D-San Diego, said the country needs to see the same leadership exemplified by former President Ronald Reagan, whose Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 opened a temporary path for many undocumented workers to get to lawful permanent residency. Kate Wolffe, Sacbee.com, 3 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 8 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

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