exemplary

adjective

ig-ˈzem-plə-rē How to pronounce exemplary (audio)
Definition of exemplarynext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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 The designation for a fire agency is touted as the highest possible Public Protection Classification (PPC) score awarded by the Insurance Services Office (ISO) that indicate exemplary public fire protection and operational readiness. — Corey Davis, Memphis Commercial Appeal, 27 Aug. 2026 How Clarke reached this rarefied realm of cinematic creation—and then largely left it behind—is an exemplary story of artistic psychology, film history, and social politics. — Richard Brody, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 Matthew Freeman was recognized as Firefighter of the Year for his exemplary service and steady commitment to public safety. — Debby Rice, Mercury News, 25 Aug. 2026 The Television Critics Association has unveiled the winners for the 42nd Annual TCA Awards, which honor exemplary series and stars from the 2025-2026 TV season. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplary
  1. classic
  2. warning
  3. excellent
  4. punitive
  5. superb
  6. cautionary
  7. exceptional
  8. perfect
Adjective
  • This is, in a lot of ways, a classic affair allegations gone too far.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026
  • Leaning into a classic French brasserie menu, the restaurant will be open for all-day service from breakfast through late-night cocktails.
    — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 10 Sep. 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
  • Lampard felt his players deserved a point after creating several excellent chances.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Picturesque views of the surrounding Casco Bay are abundant, and its consistently excellent food scene has made the city a culinary hot spot for the ages.
    — Lori Keong, Architectural Digest, 7 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • However, recent scholarship posits that the structure was used as ordinary (rather than punitive) housing, and that the vulgar decor was in fact a distinguishing characteristic of the epoch.
    — Jim Greer, SPIN, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The Department of Defense attempted to blacklist Anthropic in February after the company refused to remove restrictions on its AI models being used for autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance, a move widely seen as punitive.
    — Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • Typically, Mora will pick up the ball in the left channel and run at a defender, before slowing to a jog, then use his superb balance to burst past his flat-footed opponent on either side, like in this example against Fiorentina last month.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • Cam Schlitter gave up one run and two hits in eight superb innings, and the New York Yankees scored five two-out runs in the 10th in a series-clinching, 6-3 victory over the Angels on Wednesday night at Angel Stadium.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Although Daniels isn’t as talented overall as Thompson, the Atlanta Hawks guard has become a cautionary tale for players who allow their poor outside shooting to sink their value.
    — William Guillory, New York Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • This is a cautionary signal to sports-betting markets, prediction markets and other businesses with apps that could likewise be described as addictive.
    — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Engineered around Qualcomm’s flagship 12-core Snapdragon X Elite processor, this Surface laptop delivers exceptional processing speed with whisper-quiet thermal efficiency.
    — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 6 Sep. 2026
  • That golden brown exterior tasted exceptional, but eating it came with some hurdles.
    — Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The pass the Netherlands forward wrapped into Alexander Isak’s feet was perfect.
    — Stuart James, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026
  • The Hoosiers have won 17 straight games, the longest active winning streak in the Football Bowl Subdivision, and are a perfect 16-0 at home under Cignetti.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 8 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect

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Cite this Entry

“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 13 Sep. 2026.

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