exemplified; exemplifying
Synonyms of exemplify

transitive verb

1
: to show or illustrate by example
anecdotes exemplifying those virtues
2
: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal
3
a
: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody
She exemplifies the qualities of a good leader.
b
: to be typical of
a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period. The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.
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.
This exemplifies a reactive legal framework that pursues accountability in hindsight rather than enforcing prevention at the front end. Brittany Berlin, Baltimore Sun, 25 Aug. 2026 The White House Cuba report exemplifies the false binaries that predominate in discussions about Cuba on both the left and right. Anne Garland Mahler, The Conversation, 25 Aug. 2026 One simple habit exemplified the actor’s instinct to be of service to others. Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 Berkshire Hathaway exemplifies patience, deploying capital opportunistically under Greg Abel, while Apple prioritizes returning excess cash via massive buybacks and dividends. Robert Daugherty, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien "to demonstrate by example, serve as a model, validate a document," borrowed from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French exemplifier "to make an official copy of (a document)," borrowed from Medieval Latin exemplificāre "to adduce as an example, copy," from Latin exemplum example entry 1 + -ificāre -ify

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemplify was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb
exemplified; exemplifying
1
: to show by example
the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity
2
: to serve as an example of
she exemplifies a good leader
exemplification
-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən
noun
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