1
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

Relevance
2
3

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 Among some advocates of criminal justice reform, however, Ulbricht has become an exemplar of oversentencing, particularly given that he was technically charged with nonviolent crimes. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 21 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 But Switzerland, though it is rarely held up as an exemplar by those on the political left, is far richer than the Scandinavian social democracies and just as fair. Ruchir Sharma, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2024 Circle of Hope begins the book as a thriving if contradictory exemplar of progressive evangelicalism; by the end, the circle is broken, the crowds have thinned, and churchgoing in America seems an anemic thing, close to neither God nor country. Dan Piepenbring, Harper's Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for exemplar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar
Noun
  • Canada, for example, has announced billions of dollars in retaliatory tariffs.
    Paul Du Quenoy, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Mar. 2025
  • While Charlie Adam, for example, was a Moyes hire, his background is not as a set-piece coach.
    Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Kendall Jenner has crafted a simple and refined off-duty model style, looking often to The Row for individual pieces and accessories, and finding her rhythm in both high-low moments and more ladylike looks.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Breaking Down Systemic Barriers Liu believes the lack of investment in women’s health isn’t due to flawed business models, but to systemic barriers.
    Gemma Allen, Forbes, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • But so many of the genre’s classics also involve intimate moments indoors that almost feel like stage plays.
    Sezin Devi Keohler, EW.com, 29 Mar. 2025
  • The Menu At The Cocktail Lounge Within that setting, chef Marjorie Meek-Bradley, formerly the Corporate Executive Chef for STARR Restaurants, is turning out stellar, elevated versions of American classics.
    Laurie Werner, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • The first myth is that innovation hinges on a single monumental idea.
    Mark Nevins, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Paired with long white gloves and a ruby and diamond necklace, Marshall had a different idea for the gown's color than the version that made it into the film.
    Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • With her hair slicked back, fresh, glassy cheeks were the ideal plus one.
    Akili King, Essence, 26 Mar. 2025
  • The big picture: The 1920s brought a redefinition in women's roles and ideals, from social mores to fashion.
    Erin Alberty, Axios, 24 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • That figure is more than in the previous incarnation.
    arkansasonline.com, arkansasonline.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • My favorite story in the book is about the contemporary Chicago incarnation (which gets addressed briefly, as an addendum to the traveling festival).
    Christopher Borrelli, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Multi-day vacations remained out of reach for most working people, and many of them resented the upper classes’ summering as a manifestation of inequality.
    Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 23 Mar. 2025
  • Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities.
    Rachel Wolf, Fox News, 22 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • As selective colleges increasingly emphasize authenticity over polished perfection , this distinction has become crucial.
    Dr. Aviva Legatt, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
  • The Spanish chorizo brings smoky depth, while shrimp steams to tender perfection right on top of the rice.
    Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!