exemplary

[ig-zem-pluh-ree, eg-zuhm-pler-ee]

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

/ 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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemplary¹

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

The Incorrigibles, who had behaved in an exemplary fashion all this time, could contain themselves no more.

Read more on Literature

“It is exemplary of the trauma and the heartbreak that people are experiencing inside,” Borden said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"Restoring India's global standing, damaged by the irregularities surrounding these imports, will require exemplary action."

Read more on Barron's

McCartney would emerge with a new solo LP in 1982—the exemplary “Tug of War”—and Wings would fall into the arms of history.

Read more on Salon

Mr Kealey said the family firm had been running since the 1990s and had been a "safe place to work" with an otherwise "exemplary" health and safety record.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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