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 Elite 16 award is the SIAC’s highest academic achievement honor and is presented to student-athletes who demonstrate exemplary performance in athletics and the classroom. — ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026 The District Court of Harris County in Houston handed down the ruling in May 2026, awarding Jacobs a total of $50,105,000, including $40,105,000 in compensatory damages and an additional $10 million in exemplary damages. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 16 Sep. 2026 Often referred to as the Nobel Prize of the Arts, the Praemium Imperiale recognizes exemplary achievements by artists around the world working in painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and theater and film. — News Desk, Artforum, 8 Sep. 2026 All told, Trinity Valley must pay Skains just over $10 million intended to cover harm to her mental health and reputation, unpaid wages and benefits, and exemplary damages, according to the verdict. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 5 Sep. 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
  • The collection follows a very classic autumnal color palette, with speckles of burgundy, brown, khaki, and deep greens.
    — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Rooms Standard rooms are classic in look and feel with dark wood furniture and neutral fabrics, yet appointed with modern embellishments such as universal outlets and bedside light controls.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 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
  • His 28-yard touchdown reception from Sam Darnold late in the second quarter beat Delane, who had excellent position.
    — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • The biggest key for the Brewers in this game is to see if their bullpen can keep their excellent pitching alive.
    — OutKick, FOXNews.com, 26 Oct. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • In recent years, affirmative litigation has become an essential tool for defending against punitive federal policy and recovering public funds, Pines and others said.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Trump has slapped tariffs on the Brazilian economy and punitive sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, the chief justice most heavily involved in the prosecution of Jair Bolsonaro.
    — Ishaan Tharoor, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • As for Hüller, this is another superb performance in a series of them in recent years.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Jansen then trapped Travis Head lbw for 14 after a review and Simon Harmer took a superb catch at gully to send back Marnus Labuschagne (14) with Australia reduced to 45-4 in 14 overs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The song is a cautionary tale about a brothel in New Orleans known for ruining many poor girls.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The cautionary tales of child stardom, from Judy Garland to Britney Spears, have found a new breeding ground online.
    — Nancy Jo Sales, HollywoodReporter, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Singer demonstrates how timeless design and exceptional interior quality can coexist with everyday usability.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2026
  • Van Cleef & Arpels recently welcomed private clients to an intimate high jewelry presentation at a River Oaks residence, with the opportunity to meet the maison’s artisans and view exceptional creations.
    — Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The loss spelled the end of the Chiefs’ perfect 5-0 start to the season.
    — Jeff Rosen, Kansas City Star, 26 Oct. 2026
  • Sheet cake recipes are the easiest way to feed dessert to a crowd, meaning this recipe is perfect for the holidays.
    — Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 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 28 Oct. 2026.

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