exemplary

American  

[ig-zem-pluh-ree, eg-zuhm-pler-ee] / ɪgˈzɛm plə ri, ˈɛg zəmˌplɛr i /

adjective

1. worthy of imitation; commendable.

   exemplary conduct.

   Synonyms:

   praiseworthy, noteworthy, laudable

2. serving as a warning.

   an exemplary penalty.

3. serving as an illustration or specimen; illustrative; typical.

   The sentences read are exemplary of the style of the essay as a whole.

4. serving as a model or pattern.

   The authoritative and exemplary text of the work is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.

5. of, relating to, or composed of exempla, or examples or models.

   the exemplary literature of the medieval period.

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exemplary British  

/ ɪɡˈzɛmplərɪ /

adjective

1. fit for imitation; model

   an exemplary performance

2. serving as a warning; admonitory

   an exemplary jail sentence

3. representative; typical

   an action exemplary of his conduct

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• exemplarily
  adverb
• unexemplary
  adjective
• nonexemplary
  adjective
• exemplariness
  noun
• exemplarity
  noun

Etymology

Origin of exemplary

First recorded in 1400–50, for the earlier sense “model, exemplar”; 1580–90 exemplary for def. 1; late Middle English (noun), from Latin exemplāris, from exempl(um) exemplum + -āris -ary

Explanation

Exemplary people excel at what they do and are excellent examples to others. Something exemplary is so good that it is an example for others to follow. When something is the best it can be or reaches the highest point, it is exemplary and thus worth imitating. Exemplary comes from the Latin exemplum, meaning "sample" or "example." While some people and things are held as examples of what not to do, an exemplary person or thing is always a positive example. A country can have an exemplary record of preventing pollution, and a person may have an exemplary reputation just for being all-around praiseworthy or noble.

Example Sentences

This exemplary service failed to account for her disturbingly poor judgment, risking blackmail and conflict-of-interest allegations, since the Atlanta Police Department appears before her court; nor her lack of candor to the court.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

But rather than expanding into contemporary Korean art movements like Dansaekhwa, the show takes us back in time, showing off the depth and direction of Lee’s classical collection through exemplary ceramics, Buddhist art, and painting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 6, 2026

But not everyone goes to Harvard Medical School, and doing a residency at a large academic institution doesn’t always translate into being an exemplary physician.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

“But for this crime, he’s led an exemplary life,” Edward M. Robinson told the judge about his client.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

At age twelve, Jungvolk members who held exemplary Party Record Books and who displayed outstanding leadership qualities were selected to attend one of three types of elite schools established by the Nazis.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

Related Words

• admirable
• commendable
• estimable
• excellent
• honorable
• laudable
• meritorious
• sterling
• typical