exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1

: to show or illustrate by example

anecdotes exemplifying those virtues

2

: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal

3

a

: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody

she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader

b

: to be typical of

a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• illustrate
• instance

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

Recent Examples on the Web

This victory exemplified Gannon's approach to leadership and performance under pressure. —Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025

That’s far from the truth, and the case of Martell-LeBron exemplifies what’s wrong with that thinking. —Boston Herald Editorial Staff, Boston Herald, 6 Apr. 2025

This person exemplifies the core values of DDA and is chosen by judges and peers to represent the entire class. —Devonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025

Mark Cuban exemplified this in a recent post on the social media platform Bluesky. —Tressie McMillan Cottom, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for exemplify

• acidify
• alveoli
• areolae
• demystify
• detoxify
• disqualify
• diversify
• electrify
• fasciculi
• identify
• indemnify
• intensify

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

1

: to show by example

the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity

2

: to serve as an example of

she exemplifies a good leader

exemplification

-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun