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
The more dramatic the offense, the greater the case for exemplary punishment.
—The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
Beyond his exemplary character, Mr. Mango’s expert understanding of business and government, summarized below, influenced countless minds in health policy and formed a key part of his legacy.
—Ge Bai, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Another ThinkPad trademark is a world-class keyboard with an exemplary layout and a snappy typing feel.
—PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025
The honor recognizes exemplary leadership in rule-of-law initiatives.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for exemplary 
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The Editors, National Review, 22 Jan. 2025
Beyond his exemplary character, Mr. Mango’s expert understanding of business and government, summarized below, influenced countless minds in health policy and formed a key part of his legacy.
—Ge Bai, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025
Another ThinkPad trademark is a world-class keyboard with an exemplary layout and a snappy typing feel.
—PCMAG, 17 Jan. 2025
The honor recognizes exemplary leadership in rule-of-law initiatives.
—Jessica Boehm, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025
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 31 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
exemplary
adjective
ex·em·pla·ry
ig-ˈzem-plə-rē
: deserving to be imitated : commendable
exemplary behavior
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