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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 state specifies that exemplary damages are capped at the greater of either $200,000 or two times the amount of economic damages plus an amount equal to non-economic damages, not to exceed $750,000. — William Jones, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 June 2026 For Jefferson, the teachings of Jesus as set forth in the Gospels were just and good, an exemplary code of ethics for others to follow. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026 According to the Michelin Guide, restaurants may receive one to three Michelin stars for exemplary food. — Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026 Not to mention, in the past, NASA engineers haven’t exactly shown an exemplary understanding of women’s bodies to begin with. — Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 25 June 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
  • Beyond the operational improvements Danaher is famous for, there is a classic David-versus-Goliath story waiting in the wings that could hand Danaher and investors a nice kicker.
    — Harvey Stober, CNBC, 16 July 2026
  • The Hailey Jeans, which launched today, include denim staples in two characteristically relaxed fits—two fresh takes on the brand’s classic jeans styles, taking inspiration from her favorite vintage Gap pairs.
    — Sophie Donovan, Glamour, 16 July 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
  • Rocket is known for its excellent customer service and easy-to-use website and mobile app.
    — Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 13 July 2026
  • Bagworm is excellent and I am thrilled Oscilloscope will be bringing this cinematic fever dream to a theater near you.
    — Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 13 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • By contrast, Rule 11 sanctions are not so much remedial but are punitive in nature.
    — Jay Adkisson, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026
  • Caught between two opposing cultures, drawing on a cache of letters, documents, and remembrances, Ferrer meticulously recounts the travails of one migrant family and a punitive legal system that dogged them, skewering ideals of equity and fairness.
    — Hamilton Cain, Time, 7 July 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • Those programs collectively play superb baseball, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to draft calls.
    — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 14 July 2026
  • La Roja did a superb job limiting the touches of world-class striker Kylian Mbappe, with the Spanish midfield being the unsung heroes of the first half.
    — Jim Barnes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The filmmaker said there’s a cautionary element to the Reckoning story, examining the dark side of celebrity worship.
    — Matthew Carey, Deadline, 8 July 2026
  • However, cautionary words from the medical establishment seem to have done little to quench the public's appetite for these therapies, which have not undergone the large-scale trials needed to gain approval from the Food and Drug Administration.
    — Will Stone, NPR, 8 July 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Just down the road, Beefbar at Hotel Lou Pinet offers a relaxed ambiance and exceptional dishes.
    — Karli Poliziani, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026
  • Read More TopicsTaylor Swift Vogue Weddings An all-access invitation to the exceptional and inspirational, plus planning tips and advice.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 4 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • From there, the acceleration and timing of his run are perfect to meet Saka’s clipped cross at the back post.
    — Thom Harris, New York Times, 13 July 2026
  • The pool is also fit with a complete outdoor kitchen and pavilion, perfect for a barbecue.
    — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 July 2026
Definition of perfect

Browse Nearby Words

exemplars
exemplary
exemplification
See all Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on exemplary

Nglish: Translation of exemplary for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

Is that lie 'bald-faced' or 'bold-faced'?

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

Commonly Misspelled Words
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat

The Longest Long Words List

Ten Words Ending with a Silent ‘T’

The Words of the Week - Jul 17
See More

Popular

See More

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

It's a Scorcher! Words for the Summer Heat
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
child-detective
Spot the Misspelled Word July 2026 Those little red underlines can't help you now...
See All