exemplary

[ ig-zem-pluh-ree, eg-zuhm-pler-ee ]

adjective

1. worthy of imitation; commendable:

   exemplary conduct.

   Synonyms: praiseworthy, noteworthy, laudable

2. serving as a warning:

   an exemplary penalty.

3. serving as an illustration or specimen; illustrative; typical:

   The sentences read are exemplary of the style of the essay as a whole.

4. serving as a model or pattern:

   The authoritative and exemplary text of the work is in the Bodleian Library at Oxford University.

5. of, relating to, or composed of exempla, or examples or models:

   the exemplary literature of the medieval period.

exemplary

/ ɪɡˈzɛmplərɪ /

adjective

1. fit for imitation; model

   an exemplary performance

2. serving as a warning; admonitory

   an exemplary jail sentence

3. representative; typical

   an action exemplary of his conduct

Derived Forms

• exˈemplarily, adverb
• exˈemplariness, noun

Other Words From

• ex·empla·ri·ly adverb
• ex·empla·ri·ness ex·em·plar·i·ty [eg-z, uh, m-, plar, -i-tee], noun
• nonex·empla·ry adjective
• unex·empla·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of exemplary¹

First recorded in 1400–50, for the earlier sense “model, exemplar”; 1580–90 exemplary fordef 1; late Middle English (noun), from Latin exemplāris, from exempl(um) exemplum + -āris -ary

Example Sentences

Donald Trump's first term in office was "exemplary" as far as Israel is concerned, said Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the US.

From BBC

“I first met Anna in her previous career as a social worker, where she was known for the exemplary care she gave all her clients,” he said.

From BBC

Trump's first term in office was "exemplary" as far as Israel is concerned, says Michael Oren, a former Israeli ambassador to the US.

From BBC

In a 57-page motion made public late Thursday, Gascón’s office argued that the brothers no longer threatened public safety and should be released, given their exemplary behavior while in custody.

From Los Angeles Times

In a 57-page motion made public late Thursday, Gascón’s prosecutors argued that the brothers are no longer a threat to public safety and should be released given their exemplary behavior while in custody.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• admirable
• commendable
• estimable
• excellent
• honorable
• laudable
• meritorious
• sterling
• typical