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

Comey’s defense argues that his 2020 exchange with Senator Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, cannot legally constitute perjury, while critics say the case exemplifies the erosion of prosecutorial independence. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2025

Uganda's tech ecosystem, from Hive CoLab to fintech startups addressing unbanked populations, exemplifies innovation from the ground up. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 28 Oct. 2025

People like Sir Richard Francis Burton exemplify this connection. —Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2025

But the contrasting moods exemplified the painter’s status as one of Indian art’s most celebrated but controversial names. —Oscar Holland, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for exemplify

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

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