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

• 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

Uber exemplifies the Silicon Valley scaling playbook. —Tima Bansal, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Far from being a Trojan horse for big government, clean energy exemplifies free enterprise at its best. —Leo Schwartz, Fortune, 6 Aug. 2025

The market exemplifies how new prediction platforms attempt to financialize virality, with the potential to encourage behavior forbidden by authorities. —Jacob Feldman, Sportico.com, 6 Aug. 2025

Seeing the impact of fashion trends like bag charms and quiet luxury exemplifies that young shoppers are turning away from brand logos and toward individualized expression. —Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Aug. 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