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

Such a lack of concern was exemplified by the 1969 snowstorms, when the mayor left Queens streets unplowed a week after Manhattan’s streets were carefully swept. —Daniel Wortel-London, Washington Post, 5 Jan. 2026

This new Evangelicalism may be exemplified by Charlie Kirk, whose murder transformed the Turning Point head into an instant martyr and sparked calls for a traditionalist revival. —Sam Kestenbaum, Vulture, 2 Jan. 2026

That is further exemplified by his off-ball-run types. —Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 Jan. 2026

Winter exemplified the aquarium’s mission of rehabilitation. —Colbi Edmonds, The Orlando Sentinel, 1 Jan. 2026

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