Thesaurus results for EXEMPLAR

Q: How does the noun 'exemplar' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example , ideal , model , and pattern . While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification. // cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Q: Where would 'example' be a reasonable alternative to 'exemplar'?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

Q: When is 'ideal' a more appropriate choice than 'exemplar'?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception. // never found a job that matched his ideal

Q: When would 'model' be a good substitute for 'exemplar'?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation. // a decor that is a model of good taste

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pattern' instead of 'exemplar'?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype. // American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar

noun

ig-ˈzem-ˌplär

Definition of exemplar

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like the village's Congregational church could serve as an exemplar of the white clapboard church with a steeple that is a fixture in old New England towns

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in model

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation few of history's heroes were quite the exemplars that generations of schoolteachers made them out to be

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in classic

the most perfect type or example the paintings of the French painter Claude Monet are often regarded as exemplars of Impressionism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exemplar differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example, ideal, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Where would example be a reasonable alternative to exemplar?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

When is ideal a more appropriate choice than exemplar?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When would model be a good substitute for exemplar?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When is it sensible to use pattern instead of exemplar?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of exemplar Panegyrists of the American Century would hold up artists such as Pollock as exemplars of the new dynamism, the new liberty of free expression. — Steven Johnson, Washington Post, 14 July 2026 Yepez and her husband, who is from Guatemala, got their start working inside one of Roy Choi’s Kogi BBQ trucks, serving up the short rib burritos that became an exemplar of Korean-Mexican fusion in the city. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Gallen was an early exemplar of the trend toward high-riding four-seamers, as his other stuff was mostly average in college, with good control probably his best attribute. — Keith Law, New York Times, 16 June 2026 Melissa are prime exemplars of how to do it right — and you’re bound to discover both the ultra-luxury and the laid-back amidst Nordstrom’s bursting-at-the-seams sale section this May. — Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 26 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar

Noun

There are already examples in other sports of athletes moving between professional and college systems without producing the same alarm.

— Joshua Hong, Fortune, 29 Aug. 2026
CrowdStrike offered another example of AI becoming a tailwind rather than a threat.

— Alexa LoMonaco, CNBC, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of example

Noun

When model Tricia Helfer came in for a touch-up before an introductory visit to her boyfriend’s parents, Johns toned down her bright blonde chunks to play up her naturally innocent looks.

— Vanessa Friedman, Vogue, 1 Sep. 2026
Meteorologists said the majority of model guidance does not indicate a credible hurricane threat to California during the second week of September.

— Doyle Rice, USA Today, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of model

Noun

That superlative in this cult classic goes to Tim Curry, who's delightfully fiendish as the devilishly monstrous Darkness.

— Brian Truitt, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026
The smashburger was the same as always, juicy and full of cheese, and the dill and pickle in the Caesar salad brought a bright and refreshing twist to the classic.

— Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

Noun

Bart Bart Starr led the Packers to victories in the first two Super Bowls ever played, making this moniker ideal for football history buffs.

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026
For his business, the ideal is one that has the strength to unload a truck, and the dexterity to sort lipstick—as some of the humanoids working in his operations can now do.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of ideal

Noun

Pursued by monstrous entities and confronted by manifestations of human suffering, Dante and Virgil will eventually come face to face with the Devil himself.

— Ed Meza, Variety, 25 Aug. 2026
But as the brand continues to grow, dealing with the manifestation of a dream is quite nice.

— Judith Garrison, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of manifestation

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exemplar

exemplars

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

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Synonyms of exemplar

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