1
as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in warning
serving as or offering a warning
armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of exemplary
An employee who had so far been exemplary, cleaning the messes that her family made.
—
Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
This is an exemplary way to use your farmers' market haul.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
The verdict against general manager David Hammond and the bar includes $31 million in compensatory damages; $50 million in exemplary damages against the bar; and $50 million against the assailant, according to court documents.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for exemplary
Literary Hub, 12 May 2026
This is an exemplary way to use your farmers' market haul.
—Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 11 May 2026
The verdict against general manager David Hammond and the bar includes $31 million in compensatory damages; $50 million in exemplary damages against the bar; and $50 million against the assailant, according to court documents.
—Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 11 May 2026
My son’s friend is an exemplary young man, polite and respectful in all ways except one.
—Judith Martin, Mercury News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for exemplary
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplary
Adjective
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Smoky paperbark-roasted fish is served with sugarloaf, potatoes and kelp, a theatrical fresh take on a classic campfire supper, while the prawn sandwich is a wonderful interpretation of the Aussie favorite, made with brioche and avocado.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
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The committee had previously committed to providing 10,000 bus seats for fans travelling to games at MetLife, but increased its inventory by hiring classic American yellow school buses.—
Adam Crafton,
New York Times,
2 June 2026
Adjective
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The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.—
SCOTT SONNER,
Star Tribune,
27 July 2021
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In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.—
Andrew Whitby,
Time,
17 Apr. 2020
Adjective
-
Seb Stafford-Bloor’s excellent Transfer Tiers series is moving on to central defenders today.—
Phil Hay,
New York Times,
28 May 2026
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The right-shot defenseman has had an excellent tournament for Finland, who advanced to the semifinals with a win over Czechia.—
Steve Conroy,
Boston Herald,
28 May 2026
Adjective
-
His erratic, punitive and ultimately unconstitutional approach to tariffs has resulted in an economic mess of payouts to farmers and reimbursements.—
DP Opinion,
Denver Post,
31 May 2026
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The police department ordinarily aims to defer disciplinary issues at schools to staff for resolution rather than taking punitive action, Pieritz said.—
Evy Lewis,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2026
Adjective
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Wilson has had his most productive Premier League season by some distance, scoring 10 goals – compared to 12 across three previous top-flight campaigns with Fulham combined — and some of them have been superb, too.—
Cerys Jones,
New York Times,
29 May 2026
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These red carpet-worthy pieces include dramatically draping diamond necklaces, icy diamond and ruby bracelets, superb emerald and diamond jewels and celestial sapphire and diamond rings.—
Kyle Roderick,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
Adjective
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The cautionary tales are bottomless, from Reading and Blackburn Rovers’ respective demotions in England two seasons ago to FC Girondins de Bordeaux and ASJ Soyaux in France, who this year were forced to collapse due to structural vulnerabilities.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
27 May 2026
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Some have served as a cautionary tale.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
26 May 2026
Adjective
-
At the annual Valedictorians Luncheon at Fenway Park on Tuesday, the mayor, BPS leadership and city officials spoke to the exceptional achievement of the 33 graduates who represented the tops of their classes.—
Grace Zokovitch,
Boston Herald,
27 May 2026
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Executive chef Alessandro Lucassino’s kitchen operates on the principle of letting the exceptional Mediterranean produce speak for itself.—
Jamie Timson,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Adjective
-
There are no perfect conditions for making art.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
27 May 2026
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India has deep literary traditions in several regional languages, and this delicious novella, translated from Kannada, is a perfect amuse-bouche.—
The Week US,
TheWeek,
27 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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