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

His first-half profligacy, at odds with his attacking threat, exemplified that notion. — Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026

The department published a list of policies and workplace practices that exemplify the culture being gutted from the Foreign Service. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Aug. 2026

That was nicely exemplified by simply deciding to initiate giving scholarships by fundraising with car washes and camps or even simply seeking donations. — Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026

The 28-point plan leaked in November 2025 and the subsequent attempts to get Kyiv to cede control of the Donbas exemplify the approach. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 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
• antinomy
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify

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