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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 With its brick-and-coral façade and wraparound veranda, the Lacson hacienda is an exemplar of bahay na bato—an architectural style that blends Filipino motifs with Spanish and Chinese influences. Jeff Chu, Travel + Leisure, 16 June 2025 The perfect heroes of previous generations, exemplars of patriotism and rising above tragedy, and their traditional superpowers—strength, flight, speed, their belief in the goodness of people—are rapidly being replaced. Aviva Dove-Viebahn, Scientific American, 9 June 2025 Smokey and the Bandit, Any Which Way But Loose, all those great cinematic exemplars from the ’70s. Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 15 May 2025 Moral exemplars are the people who represent virtue ethics in its purest form. George Tsakiridis, The Conversation, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar
Noun
  • The ad includes clips from news broadcasts covering, for example, Trump’s framework for a trade deal with the European Union.
    Naomi Lim, The Washington Examiner, 5 Sep. 2025
  • The low, powerful finish from the edge of the box to beat Italy in the Under-21 Euros this summer was another example of his high ceiling in the final third.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Dreamliner is 25% more fuel-efficient than older models due to lighter construction and advanced engines.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Hence, clubs are turning to the player-trading model long pioneered, and more recently supercharged, by Chelsea.
    Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 5 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The Polestar 1 is a future classic, the Polestar 2 is pretty good as well, the Polestar 3 is mostly forgettable, and so is the Polestar 4.
    Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Romantic films in the modern era often lack the depth that cult classics released in the 1980s and 1990s had.
    Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In the midst of feeling helpless, Kate said an idea took shape to commemorate the victims.
    Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Sep. 2025
  • And the 18-year-old Mastantuono has already brought fresh ideas to Madrid’s attack.
    James McNicholas, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Trump’s philosophies continue to be debated among Republican lawmakers and voters as to whether his more populist ideals will stick with the GOP once his long run as party leader eventually comes to a close.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 10 Sep. 2025
  • Finding themes where characters can continuously engage and undermine one another in this way, as a kind of contrasting ideal, is the most gratifying thing to me as a creator.
    Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Also, the Gorn look a little different in their Strange New Worlds incarnation.
    Keith Phipps, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025
  • This is the new incarnation of an old refrain, once expressed as the claim that China simply copies everything.
    Amir Husain, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • Allied together, the two vessels fight the physical manifestation of the Radiance.
    Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
  • On the automotive front, that character arc can be represented by the transition from the baronial elegance of the Bentley S2 Continental to the manifestation of rebellion found in the muscle cars from Motor City.
    Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 8 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • In another section, male nudes celebrate the body with an ode to classic perfection, enhancing strength and symmetry through a refined use of light and composition.
    Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
  • Audiences, especially the younger ones, are done with perfection.
    Leeron Walter, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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