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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 And between now and then, thinking back to the bliss of your stay, with all of its special touches, exemplary food, and nearly clairvoyant service. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Aug. 2026 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 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
  • They are hidden among the landscaped terraces that dot the cliff, a classic image of Amalfi.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Much like white, navy blue is a classic, timeless color that offers a deep neutral contrast to black or gray doors without sacrificing a sophisticated look.
    — The Spruce, The Spruce, 25 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
  • Her excellent debut, 2007’s Free Food for Millionaires, features upwardly mobile Korean Americans whose desire for security Lee portrayed both sympathetically and critically.
    — Sanjena Sathian, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2026
  • If that feels unattainable, though, Baldino’s other spots are equally excellent and open to anyone.
    — Regan Stephens, Travel + Leisure, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • For Kyiv, punitive sanctions that impose real economic costs on Moscow are a key part of that strategy.
    — Samya Kullab, Los Angeles Times, 18 Sep. 2026
  • But the city says the overall goal is to make parking less confusing and less punitive.
    — Caroline Foreback, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • His homemaker mother Leonor (a superb Maude Sandham) and his 17-year-old sister Ilse (Karoline Watson) complete the immaculate family portrait, but there’s unrest there too.
    — Guy Lodge, Variety, 19 Sep. 2026
  • Now, however, the boutique physical media label Fun City Editions has released a superb Blu-ray of the film, featuring both a gorgeous restoration and illuminating supplements.
    — Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • Even with the potential leverage, however, some Democrats are taking a cautionary tone on the debt ceiling.
    — Garrett Downs, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026
  • This weekend, two – Manning and Sayin – will go head-to-head in a top-5 rematch of a game that ought to serve as a quarterback cautionary tale.
    — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 11 Sep. 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Michelin has introduced a rating of wineries where one grape denotes a very good producer; two an excellent producer, and three an exceptional producer.
    — Mike DeSimone, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2026
  • But a player who is exceptional at the sport but lacks notoriety is a different story.
    — Joshua Hong, Fortune, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • This means their meaning is easier to guess for someone without any previous knowledge of the gesture or language being spoken; perfect for creating a new language from scratch.
    — Hannah Little, Scientific American, 20 Sep. 2026
  • Dolce’s cool, reductive architectural sense, with its airy vistas and great open spaces inside and out (perfect for their energetic Labradors, Lola and her son, Dali), is cluttered with the eclectic bounty that Gabbana has assembled over the years.
    — Hamish Bowles, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
Definition of perfect

Browse Nearby Words

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 27 Sep. 2026.

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