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Synonyms

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.


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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She said the judiciary had been exemplary in handling the case.

From Barron's

As music “that transcended enmities to forge a connection between all the people born of this land,” Vargas Llosa writes, channeling Toño’s enthusiasm, the vals is the exemplary art form of a “mongrel nation.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It highlights "exemplary initiatives" that advance children's rights to "safe, inclusive and accessible public spaces".

From BBC

He recalls a time when he viewed American leadership as exemplary.

From The Wall Street Journal

"The Russian-Chinese comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation is exemplary," Putin said in the video broadcast on Russian state TV.

From Barron's