exemplar

noun

ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär 

-plər,

eg-

: one that serves as a model or example: such as

a

: an ideal model

b

: a typical or standard specimen

an exemplar of medieval architecture

c

: a copy of a book or writing

d

: idea sense 4c

Synonyms

• case
• example
• exemplification
• illustration
• instance
• prototype
• representative
• sample
• specimen

Choose the Right Synonym for exemplar

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of exemplar in a Sentence

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

Recent Examples on the Web

The story of Israel provided the perfect exemplar, a way to couch an outsider’s argument in an insider’s language. —Daniel Bergner, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2024

The prime exemplars of modern documentary, centered on filmmakers’ close involvement with their subjects, are fundamentally transactional. —Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2024

Advertisement Gerda’s career is an exemplar of what happens when news organizations invest in local journalism, let reporters dig instead of writing clickbait and stand by them in the face of critics real and imagined. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024

Next up was Giancarlo Stanton, the exemplar of our hit-or-miss moment: he’s amassed more home runs and strikeouts than any active player. —Nicholas Dawidoff, The New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from exemplum example

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

exemplar

noun

ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär 

-plər

1

: one that serves as a model or pattern

especially : an ideal model

2

: a typical example