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

While companies often outsource to save, the high cost of AI usage, exemplified by OpenAI's defunct Sora platform, is complicating matters. — Cortney Harding, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026

His appearance at the tea exemplifies the importance William and Kate have placed on gradually introducing their children — especially George, as the heir — to the royal duties they are expected to inherit one day. — Meredith Kile, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026

Inspired by 20-time ACM Award recipient Merle Haggard, the award is presented to an honoree that exemplifies Haggard’s dedication to country music and passion for storytelling through music and performance. — Emily Zemler, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2026

What the farmers sought at that gathering — and what happened in the months that followed — exemplifies the tension between keeping workers safe and keeping farms solvent. — Max Blau, ProPublica, 22 July 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