exemplar

noun

ex·em·plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär

-plər,

eg-

Synonyms of exemplar

: one that serves as a model or example: such as

: an ideal model

: a typical or standard specimen

an exemplar of medieval architecture

: a copy of a book or writing

: idea sense 5a

Choose the Right Synonym for exemplar

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of exemplar in a Sentence

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

Recent Examples on the Web

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.

Summary Dolly Parton and Oscar Wilde, despite their vastly different origins, are celebrated as exemplars of authentic personal branding. — William Arruda, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026 But the other piece of AISI news last week makes clear just what sort of challenges de Zoete will face—and is indicative of why AISI may not really be the exemplar of savvy AI governance that its boosters like to crow about. — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2026 Architect William Levy Alexander designed the three-bedroom home that stands as an exemplar of early 20th-century modernism. — Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 19 Aug. 2026 One of this model’s best exemplars is an object known as MoM-BH*-1, first found in JWST images from 2023 and the subject of a paper published today in Nature. — Lee Billings, Scientific American, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplar

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin, from exemplum example entry 1 + -ar, noun suffix (from truncated neuter of -āris -ar); replacing earlier exampler, examplare and Middle English essamplaire, ensaumpler, exaumplere, borrowed from Anglo-French essamplaire, borrowed from Late Latin exemplāris (Latin, "copy, transcript"), derivative of exemplāris, adjective, "exemplary," from Latin exemplum example entry 1 + -āris -ar

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of exemplar was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

exegetist

exemplar

exemplarily

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplar. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

exemplar

noun

ex·em·plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär

-plər

: one that serves as a model or pattern

especially : an ideal model

: a typical example

exemplar

noun

Synonyms of exemplar

Examples of exemplar in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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