Exemplary — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /ig-ˈzem-plə-rē/ ex·em·pla·ry

Meaning & Definition of Exemplary

Exemplary (adjective)

  1. deserving imitation, commendable; also, deserving imitation because of excellence
  2. serving as a pattern
  3. serving as an example, instance, or illustration

Exemplary (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated

    "as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community"

    similar: archetypal, classic, definitive, imitable, model, paradigmatic, quintessential, textbook
    related: ideal, nonpareil, special, unique, absolute, flawless, impeccable, perfect, A-OK, A1, bang-up, banner, capital, choice, crackerjack, dandy, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, fine, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, groovy, jim-dandy, keen, marvelous, nifty, par excellence, prime, primo (slang), sensational, splendid, stellar, sterling, superb, superior, superlative, swell, terrific, tip-top, top, top-notch, unsurpassed, wizard (chiefly British), wonderful, exceptional, fancy, high-grade
    near: bad, low-grade, poor, substandard, unsatisfactory, atrocious, execrable, vile, wretched, deficient, disappointing, failed, inadequate, inferior, average, normal, ordinary, representative, typical, mediocre, second-class, second-rate

  2. serving as or offering a warning

    "armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion"

    similar: admonishing, admonitory, cautionary, cautioning, monitory, premonitory, warning
    related: didactic, moralistic, moralizing, advisory, counseling, punishing, punitive

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Exemplary

The most common words with a similar meaning to Exemplary:

archetypal, classic, definitive, imitable, model, paradigmatic, quintessential, textbook, admonishing, admonitory, cautionary, cautioning, monitory, premonitory, warning

Related Words for Exemplary

ideal, nonpareil, special, unique, absolute, flawless, impeccable, perfect, A-OK, A1, bang-up, banner, capital, choice, crackerjack, dandy, excellent, fabulous, fantastic, fine, first-class, first-rate, grand, great, groovy, jim-dandy, keen, marvelous, nifty, par excellence

Near Antonyms of Exemplary

bad, low-grade, poor, substandard, unsatisfactory, atrocious, execrable, vile, wretched, deficient, disappointing, failed, inadequate, inferior, average, normal, ordinary, representative, typical, mediocre, second-class, second-rate

Word Forms of Exemplary

Derived words: exemplarily (adverb), exemplariness (noun), exemplarity (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Exemplary

First known use: circa 1507

Frequently Asked Questions about Exemplary

What does "Exemplary" mean?

"Exemplary" means deserving imitation, commendable; also, deserving imitation because of excellence. As an adjective, it is defined as: deserving imitation, commendable; also, deserving imitation because of excellence. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Exemplary"?

Other words for "Exemplary" include archetypal, classic, definitive, imitable, model, paradigmatic, quintessential and textbook. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Exemplary" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Exemplary"?

There are 72 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Exemplary". Common alternatives include archetypal, classic, definitive, imitable, model, paradigmatic, quintessential, textbook, admonishing and admonitory.

How do you use "Exemplary" in a sentence?

Examples of "Exemplary" in a sentence: "as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community"; "armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion".

Is "Exemplary" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Exemplary" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Exemplary"?

"Exemplary" is pronounced /ig-ˈzem-plə-rē/ and divided into syllables as ex·em·pla·ry.

What is the origin of the word "Exemplary"?

First known use: circa 1507.

What is another word for "Exemplary" meaning "constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated"?

When "Exemplary" (adjective) means constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated, synonyms include archetypal, classic, definitive, imitable, model and paradigmatic.