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

Califia Carlisle exemplifies how and why California is failing on homelessness. — The Sacramento Bee Staff, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

Lovett is an outstanding student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, and school spirit. — Darla Rivera, Oklahoman, 21 Sep. 2026

Bimobil The vehicle base in this case was a pristine, deep-red Land Cruiser cab-chassis that exemplifies Bimobil's unflappable travel-anywhere spirit just as keenly as the brand's own expedition camping modules. — New Atlas, 20 Sep. 2026

They're known for their reliability and quality, and the Apple AirPods 4 exemplify that. — George Yang, PC Magazine, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien "to demonstrate by example, serve as a model, validate a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French exemplifier "to make an official copy of (a document)," borrowed from Medieval Latin exemplificāre "to adduce as an example, copy," from Latin exemplum example entry 1 + -ificāre -ify

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