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 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 No performance nominations, despite Ken Leung and Marisa Abela’s exemplary work. — Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 8 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
  • And classic cheesecake benefits from orange marmalade and candied pistachio crumbles.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
  • Reading classic books can teach you as much about the present as the past.
    — Big Think, Big Think, 31 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
  • Edoya, where brushes have been made by hand since 1718, is around the corner, and Nexpect, an excellent specialty coffee shop, is a short walk away.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
  • Namely stage 13 when the race split into pieces, Tom Pidcock climbed back up the GC, Pedersen had to make a desperate attempt to reach Philipsen up the road to defend green, and the excellent Mauro Schmid got the victory his talent deserves.
    — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 27 July 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 is widely viewed as a more durable trade statute than the administration’s previous strategies, and there are no limits on punitive tariff rates or the duration of the duties.
    — Kate Nishimura, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • Swinehart’s lawsuit seeks punitive and compensatory damages, although no amount is specified.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 18 July 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • There are some superb central defenders who have not made our list, which just highlights the level Vidic reached.
    — Andy Mitten, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Small is a superb route runner, while Everhart is the type of athlete who can turn a jet sweep or bubble screen into a chunk play.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 July 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • This feature manages to simultaneously be a post-COVID cautionary tale about bug addiction and a celebration of kink.
    — William Earl, Variety, 25 July 2026
  • The Bank of Korea waited too long to hike rates and regulators too long to rein in margin excess, a cautionary example as the Fed risks making the same mistake.
    — Justin Zacks, CNBC, 24 July 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Investors need the company to grow into something exceptional.
    — Jim Osman, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • However, Akey is an exceptional skater, reads plays well and can pass the puck with aplomb.
    — Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 26 July 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • Their aggression on the bases wasn’t perfect — Koss and Drew Gilbert were both picked off — but the Giants have clearly made the steal more of a priority.
    — Justice delos Santos, Mercury News, 28 July 2026
  • Beyond these coolers, there are several other styles of cooler boxes and bags perfect for a day at the beach.
    — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 27 July 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 1 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of exemplary for Spanish Speakers

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