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.
This collaboration exemplifies the company’s composable weapons strategy, which aims to create more flexible and adaptable missile systems through strategic partnerships, according to a press release. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 Perhaps nowhere is this more evident than with the rise of AI, which exemplifies both the opportunity and complexity boards must navigate. Lara Abrash, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2025 The tension created when an average drill becomes a real, life-or-death situation is exemplified in the performances, but the feeling would not be the same without the support of the craft teams. Ryan Fleming, Deadline, 10 Oct. 2025 Karan received the humanitarian award from her daughter Gabby, whose Donna Karan sheer black dress with a black slip and oversized black jacket exemplified the longevity of Karan’s designs. Rosemary Feitelberg, Footwear News, 10 Oct. 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 16 Oct. 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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