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

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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 Warfighter of the Week is a command program in which the ship’s captain personally recognizes exemplary sailors selected by their leadership for their accomplishments. — Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026 The award recognizes exemplary work that both preserves Pennsylvania's historic places and adapts them to serve present and future communities. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Babitz courted danger with heedless bravado and exemplary recklessness. — Steve Wasserman, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 The service is exemplary, and the mansion was far from overcrowded on Friday night. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 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
  • Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.
    — India Roby, Glamour, 27 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
  • Fjord, Cristian Mungiu’s legal thriller starring podcast favorite Renate Reinsve and Sebastian Stan; Hope, an action film starring Squid Game breakout Hoyeon; and Gentle Monster, led by an excellent Léa Seydoux.
    — Alex Jhamb Burns, Vogue, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Servite 0-1 (62) The Friars lost to an excellent Centennial of Corona team, 41-21, in Rick Garretson’s first game as Servite’s head coach.
    — Steve Fryer, Oc Register, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • The absolute yield level isn’t broadly punitive yet to big companies.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Jurors awarded $6 million in damages ($3 million compensatory and $3 million punitive) to a 20-year-old woman whose compulsive childhood use of Instagram and YouTube exacerbated her severe depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia.
    — Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession.
    — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
  • The winery is also known for superb musical performances that Paine gets through his relationship with a top tier entertainment manager.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Or perhaps that will instead serve as a cautionary tale, that a camp invite, and even quality efforts during the preseason might not result in a roster spot.
    — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The trajectory of the California poll offers a cautionary tale about the perils of trusting unvetted polling.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • This commitment to investing in people, listening intently, and acting on feedback drives continuous improvement, proving that exceptional service is a deliberate outcome of strong leadership and a responsive culture.
    — Shep Hyken, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026
  • Food and drink Zori’s 32-year-old chef, Siniša Jevrosimov, is an exceptional talent.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Tawfik will be perfect to portray the character’s inner struggle.
    — Annika Pham, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
  • Gemma, founder and CEO of a growing marketing firm, thought Richard was perfect for her new VP of marketing analytics role.
    — Harvard Business Review, Harvard Business Review, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of perfect

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exemplars
exemplary
exemplification
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Cite this Entry

“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 30 Aug. 2026.

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