EXEMPLARY Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

exemplary

adjective

ig-ˈzem-plə-rē

Definition of exemplary

as in classic

constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in warning

serving as or offering a warning armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 exemplary Burns leaned on his exemplary short game in Friday’s second round. — Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026 Odysseus himself exemplifies both exemplary and flawed leadership. — Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 The parents, represented by the law firm Rosen Saba, demand a jury trial, exemplary and punitive damages and civil and statutory penalties. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 9 July 2026 This form makes the book startlingly original, an exemplary modernist novel in its redefinition of storytelling. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplary

Adjective

The sleek, slip-on style instantly elevates the most basic outfit with that classic mule-meets-loafer design, while the flat bottoms provide all-day comfort.

— Alyssa Morin, InStyle, 7 Aug. 2026
So think about that classic goopy white sunscreen from every beach movie in the ’80s.

— Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 6 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

Adjective

The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.

— SCOTT SONNER, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.

— Andrew Whitby, Time, 17 Apr. 2020

Definition of warning

Adjective

The neighborhood/area Just across the train tracks is Vesterbro with an excellent range of independent shops and restaurants, not least in Kødbyen, the Meat Packing district.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
As for dining options, Cafe Genevieve serves an excellent breakfast and brunch, and Million Dollar Cowboy Bar draws crowds for a taste of Western-style eats like bison burgers and elk sliders.

— Cu Fleshman, Travel + Leisure, 3 Aug. 2026

Definition of excellent

Adjective

Train and reframe the narrative to show that surveillance is not punitive but a tool designed to remove friction from their shift.

— Robert Messer, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026
Health policy researchers and hospice administrators worry that the negative attention on the industry and potential for overly punitive regulations could put California patients and taxpayers on the losing end.

— Laurie Udesky, Miami Herald, 30 July 2026

Definition of punitive

Adjective

Lee, so fine in a wide variety of roles from Past Lives to The Morning Show, is superb as a woman playing a role in life as well as piano bars.

— Pete Hammond, Deadline, 3 Aug. 2026
Hakai-hen’s mecha anime series lineup was also superb, with my beloved Dancouga included (shown below).

— Ollie Barder, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

Football is full of cautionary tales (and, for the sake of balance, morally-dubious fairy tales) about the risks and rewards of taking on finance adjacent to or entangled with politics.

— James Horncastle, New York Times, 30 July 2026
Japanese officials bristle at the notion that their economy is viewed globally as a cautionary tale rather than a competitive force.

— William Pesek, Forbes.com, 29 July 2026

Definition of cautionary

Adjective

The exceptional duration is the result of a precise combination of celestial mechanics.

— Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
There are normally no checks at borders between members of the EU’s internal Schengen Area, though they can be introduced for a limited time in exceptional circumstances.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 31 July 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

This patch of land to the west of San Sebastián feels like the most perfect place on the planet, while still being a 10-minute car ride from the center of the city.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Aug. 2026
Incorporating them into your wardrobe couldn’t be more seamless thanks to breezy yet posh linen and cotton-blend options that are perfect for the summer’s remaining heatwaves.

— Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 4 Aug. 2026

Definition of perfect

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exemplars

exemplary

exemplification

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“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of exemplary

adjective

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