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as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like the village's Congregational church could serve as an exemplar of the white clapboard church with a steeple that is a fixture in old New England towns

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exemplar differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example, ideal, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Where would example be a reasonable alternative to exemplar?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

When is ideal a more appropriate choice than exemplar?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When would model be a good substitute for exemplar?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When is it sensible to use pattern instead of exemplar?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exemplar This year’s exemplar is Duster, J.J. Abrams’ HBO crime thriller that will premiere on Sunday, with creator LaToya Morgan and star Josh Holloway in town. Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 Academy exemplar Ramsey, who joined the club at age six, broke through in 2018-19 when Villa were in the Championship. Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 18 Mar. 2025 Johnston was an exemplar of the art of the Senate, when it was correctly known as the world’s greatest deliberative body. Llewellyn King, Forbes.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Katie Kitamura’s last two novels, A Separation and Intimacies, are exemplars of this form. Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar
Noun
  • Hamby, for example, accuses former Aces GM Natalie Williams of implying during a radio interview that the team learned of Hamby’s pregnancy in June 2022.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 18 June 2025
  • For example, a class-action lawsuit launched in 2023 alleges that products with the Target Clean seal actually contained parabens, talc, and PFAS (forever chemicals linked to cancer and immune risks)—ingredients the Target Clean stamp claimed to exclude.
    Kristen Philipkoski, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
Noun
  • In the cerebral artery flow model in the lab, Heit says, the milli-spinner was 100% effective at removing clots in more than 500 attempts.
    Ani Freedman, Fortune, 27 June 2025
  • Given the affordable housing crisis, Vienna’s social housing model has been given enormous media exposure and has been studied by numerous advocacy groups with mixed views.
    Jan Goldsmith, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 June 2025
Noun
  • Hadid’s twist on the classic includes a crashing wave design across the footbed, paired with a minimalist beige strap.
    Izzy Baskette, People.com, 21 June 2025
  • The set, which was once a cult classic, but now should be regarded simply as a hugely successful release, also breaks into the top 10 on the Billboard 200.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025
Noun
  • Fearing their authority is being bypassed, supervisors sometimes retaliate – belittling ideas and withholding resources, for example – which stifles the very innovation that cross-silo collaborations can foster.
    ESMT Berlin, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
  • Advertisement Do the authorities have an idea of where Boelter might be?
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 16 June 2025
Noun
  • This T-shirt is for the patriot who values the core ideals of the Declaration of Independence: Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
    Caitlyn Martyn may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 19 June 2025
  • The stunning backdrop of the coast and rolling hills also make the destination ideal for exploring the great outdoors.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 17 June 2025
Noun
  • Inside his body, the role would be no spoof at all but the purest of incarnations.
    Han Ong, New Yorker, 22 June 2025
  • This incarnation of the character (played by María Gabriela de Faría) isn't quite like that, instead using nanotechnology to alter herself.
    EW.com, EW.com, 10 June 2025
Noun
  • One of the manifestations of the forces of evil that the CAC congregants see themselves in battle with is depression.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 12 June 2025
  • This is a core manifestation of fascism — using federal forces to put down dissent.
    Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2025
Noun
  • Guided by a mindset of possibility and a belief in progress over perfection, Diezhandino is reshaping how her teams understand and influence the future of socializing, long a category reference point, placing celebrations and cultural relevance at the center of every brand experience.
    Seth Matlins, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025
  • Creating a Rich Auntie moment is less about perfection and more about presence.
    Essence, Essence, 17 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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