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
  • Orlando Bloom’s first big automotive splurge was a classic Porsche—a black 911S from 1973.
    — Brett Berk, Robb Report, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Pair them with a chunky sweater and sneakers, or a classic button-down shirt and heeled booties this season.
    — Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 2 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
  • There’s an excellent Anantara Spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center onsite, but the highlight of the property is its 60-foot-long oceanfront infinity pool, which overlooks the entire expanse of Stone Town beach.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
  • Mikey Madison is excellent as a whistleblower driven by love, not spite.
    — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 5 Oct. 2026
Definition of excellent
Adjective
  • Rather than imposing more punitive rules on all shoppers, however, retailers should identify high-risk returns and apply additional verification selectively to protect the customer experience for the vast swathe of legitimate patrons.
    — Jasmin Malik Chua, Footwear News, 2 Oct. 2026
  • The measure would have barred Switzerland from joining punitive measures against other countries unless they were imposed by the United Nations.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of punitive
Adjective
  • Fans of modernist architecture will find much else to enjoy, too – not least in Ibirapuera Park, with its striking array of mid-century buildings by Oscar Niemeyer, including the pavilion that now houses the superb Museu Afro Brasil.
    — The Week UK, TheWeek, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Whatever the case might be, Kentucky Boy is a really superb bourbon.
    — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 4 Oct. 2026
Definition of superb
Adjective
  • The cautionary tale of using technology to predict box office outcomes centers on Relativity Media, which pitched data analysis in a pre-generative AI world but later went bankrupt.
    — John Kell, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2026
  • The 92-minute feature, directed by Robert Wise, was released as Cold War fears were at the top of the headlines and was intended as a cautionary tale (decades later, the studio remade the film with Keanu Reeves and an aughts sheen in 2008).
    — THR Staff, HollywoodReporter, 28 Sep. 2026
Definition of cautionary
Adjective
  • Her career demonstrates extraordinary range, an exceptional level of acting and at the same time, a very special connection with audiences.
    — Anna Marie de la Fuente, Variety, 2 Oct. 2026
  • Nonetheless, the association of Nike with exceptional athletes remains a litmus test for relevance, consumer sentiment, and brand equity — all metrics Hill should be working toward as part of his ongoing brand turnaround.
    — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of exceptional
Adjective
  • The outdoor second-floor deck is perfect for taking a break between museums—there's a table with complimentary coffee, fresh fruit, water, and seltzer available all day.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Oct. 2026
  • Hotels, as well as airports, are perfect places to test this technology because their electricity usage follows quite predictable patterns.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 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 9 Oct. 2026.

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