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as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like the village's Congregational church could serve as an exemplar of the white clapboard church with a steeple that is a fixture in old New England towns

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exemplar differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example, ideal, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Where would example be a reasonable alternative to exemplar?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

When is ideal a more appropriate choice than exemplar?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When would model be a good substitute for exemplar?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When is it sensible to use pattern instead of exemplar?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of exemplar Yet Malick, though a living exemplar of the ideal of the auteur, has benefitted less from this phenomenon than other directors of his generation and calibre. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Jan. 2025 Bellwether has synthesized a database of simulated reference photos to use as exemplars. Eric Siegel, Forbes, 13 Jan. 2025 Dangerous sport, in its best exemplars — in, say, mountain climbing or boxing or bicycle stage racing — provides one avenue for such self-affirmation by challenging one’s whole self at the limits of one’s being. Big Think, 10 Jan. 2025 Some will be held up as exemplars of how higher education can be a valuable and valued public good. David Rosowsky, Forbes, 5 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar
Noun
  • If, for example, a company spends £20m on a 10 per cent stake in Chelsea Women, then that will justify the £200m figure that has raised eyebrows.
    Matt Slater, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • For example, SuperMouth engineers toothbrushes designed to fit various contours of a human mouth, along with UV-sanitizing holders, custom formulations for toothpaste, and educational tools.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tiered model approach allows developers to select the appropriate balance between performance and cost, with GPT-4.1 Nano being ideal for tasks like classification or autocompletion, and the standard GPT-4.1 model suited for more complex applications.
    Janakiram MSV, Forbes.com, 15 Apr. 2025
  • Our model of misalignment is based on a simple insight: A group of humans and AI agents are most aligned when the group’s goals are most compatible.
    Aidan Kierans, The Conversation, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • All of them are classics that result in a total five points.
    Marilú Almaguer, Glamour, 10 Apr. 2025
  • No look has to be permanent, and with 2025’s most popular looks leaning into avant-garde classics, taking your hair to a new height is this season’s most palpable trends.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 9 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Another good idea before kicking off an exercise routine: For activities that involve spinal twisting and bending, talk with your physical therapist to get tips on proper form.
    Alice Oglethorpe, SELF, 17 Apr. 2025
  • The basic idea is to start with something large and compact it down for easy transport.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 17 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • On May 2, Venus will join Neptune in Aries, adding a dreamy, almost ethereal quality to your love life — try not to get swept up in ideals and fantasies.
    Valerie Mesa, People.com, 19 Apr. 2025
  • For many, financial security is becoming more important than aligning every purchase with environmental ideals.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The movie went through multiple incarnations to finally land at the family-friendly version that De Luca and Abdy ultimately pushed through.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
  • Superman trailer reveals first look at Lex Luthor, Guy Gardner, Krypto, and more iconic DC characters David, Rachel, and Nick — there have been a lot of incarnations of these characters over the years.
    Mike Miller, EW.com, 2 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The tilt of recent immigration toward higher skilled workers from Asia is another manifestation of this same pattern.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • But the truly painful manifestation of distaste for Musk has been entirely legal, as consumers have shunned his cars.
    Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 6 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Financial literacy starts with curiosity, not perfection.
    Ruhama Wolle, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder causes people to fixate on consistency or perfection.
    Heidi Moawad, MD, Verywell Health, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

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