exemplary
adjective
ex·em·pla·ry
ig-ˈzem-plə-rē 
1
a
: deserving imitation : commendable
his courage was exemplary
also
: deserving imitation because of excellence
they serve exemplary pastries —
G. V. Higgins
G. V. Higgins
b
: serving as a pattern
2
: serving as an example, instance, or illustration
this story is exemplary of her style
3
: serving as a warning : monitory
given an exemplary punishment
Synonyms
Examples of exemplary in a Sentence
Each cantina has its own style, but almost all of them share several key traits: uniformed waiters offering exemplary service, a trio of musicians strolling from table to table playing songs on request, lots of men playing dominoes, plenty of good tequila and cold beer, and tasty home-cooked botanas (snacks) served free with each round of drinks.
—Chris Humphrey, National Geographic Traveler, September 2008
A few Hollywood couples stayed hitched—Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 50 years and counting—but such exemplary marriages had less entertainment value than the connubial career of, say, Elizabeth Taylor, eight times wed and divorced, including two volatile turns with Richard Burton.
—Richard Corliss, Time, 28 Jan. 2008
Among the most important factors that distinguished the best Civil War regiments from the mediocre ones were the quality and exemplary courage of their officers.
—James M. McPherson, New York Review of Books, 6 Oct. 2005
as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community
armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion
Chris Humphrey, National Geographic Traveler, September 2008
A few Hollywood couples stayed hitched—Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward, 50 years and counting—but such exemplary marriages had less entertainment value than the connubial career of, say, Elizabeth Taylor, eight times wed and divorced, including two volatile turns with Richard Burton.
—Richard Corliss, Time, 28 Jan. 2008
Among the most important factors that distinguished the best Civil War regiments from the mediocre ones were the quality and exemplary courage of their officers.
—James M. McPherson, New York Review of Books, 6 Oct. 2005
as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community
armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion
Recent Examples on the Web
Bryan Mbeumo has been a key player under Frank (Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
That defeat was part of a run of away results which is as dismal as Brentford’s home form has been exemplary.
—Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The technology may be exemplary, but even science cannot perform miracles.
—Rm Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
After deliberating Friday and Monday morning, the jury returned a verdict that included actual and exemplary damages, and attorney fees, Tuck said.
—Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The award is presented to individuals who have been working in the TESOL field in Maryland for at least 15 years and who have made substantial and exemplary contributions to the field, its students, and/or teachers at any educational level.
—Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exemplary 
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Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 13 Dec. 2024
The technology may be exemplary, but even science cannot perform miracles.
—Rm Clark, WIRED, 6 Dec. 2024
After deliberating Friday and Monday morning, the jury returned a verdict that included actual and exemplary damages, and attorney fees, Tuck said.
—Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The award is presented to individuals who have been working in the TESOL field in Maryland for at least 15 years and who have made substantial and exemplary contributions to the field, its students, and/or teachers at any educational level.
—Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 20 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for exemplary
Dictionary Entries Near exemplary
Cite this Entry
“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplary. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exemplary
adjective
ex·em·pla·ry
ig-ˈzem-plə-rē
: deserving to be imitated : commendable
exemplary behavior
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