EXEMPLARY Synonyms: 97 Similar and Opposite Words

exemplary

adjective

ig-ˈzem-plə-rē

Definition of exemplary

as in classic

constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated as a hospital volunteer you have given exemplary service to your community

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in warning

serving as or offering a warning armies have traditionally used public execution as an exemplary punishment for the crime of desertion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 exemplary Warfighter of the Week is a command program in which the ship’s captain personally recognizes exemplary sailors selected by their leadership for their accomplishments. — Magda Liszewska, Oc Register, 5 Aug. 2026 The award recognizes exemplary work that both preserves Pennsylvania's historic places and adapts them to serve present and future communities. — Finch Walker, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Babitz courted danger with heedless bravado and exemplary recklessness. — Steve Wasserman, Los Angeles Times, 27 July 2026 The service is exemplary, and the mansion was far from overcrowded on Friday night. — Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplary

Adjective

Clever and snappy, fresh and silly, a winning combination of classic Looney Tunes gags and contemporary concerns (the press notes mention many influences including, no joke, The Insider).

— Bethy Squires, Vulture, 28 Aug. 2026
As seen above, even a hot pink top welcomes a playful edge to a classic plaid midi-skirt and chunky boots.

— India Roby, Glamour, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of classic

Adjective

The bureau also will post more warning notices at 750 livestock sale facilities and review other potential changes to federal regulations.

— SCOTT SONNER, Star Tribune, 27 July 2021
In response, statistical authorities around the world could do little but issue warning press releases.

— Andrew Whitby, Time, 17 Apr. 2020

Definition of warning

Adjective

The absolute yield level isn’t broadly punitive yet to big companies.

— Michael Santoli, CNBC, 24 Aug. 2026
Jurors awarded $6 million in damages ($3 million compensatory and $3 million punitive) to a 20-year-old woman whose compulsive childhood use of Instagram and YouTube exacerbated her severe depression, anxiety and body dysmorphia.

— Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of punitive

Adjective

Head baker Lou Turner (formerly pastry chef at Obelix, a French bistro in the city’s River North) churns out superb pastries that invite obsession.

— The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026
The winery is also known for superb musical performances that Paine gets through his relationship with a top tier entertainment manager.

— Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of superb

Adjective

So the trade might also turn out to be a cautionary preemptive move if the NFL determines Nacua violated the league’s personal-conduct policy and suspends him.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Collins, Scott, and Whitmer spent much of the past year and a half framing their objections as cautionary.

— Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of cautionary

Adjective

Sharif said Noreen displayed exceptional courage and devotion to duty by risking her life to save the newborn moments before the nursery burned down.

— ABC News, ABC News, 30 Aug. 2026
Founders who recently had one exceptional year sometimes assume that year represents their new baseline, when a buyer will more likely average the last three years, or discount the outlier entirely.

— Lien De Pau, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of exceptional

Adjective

Wrigley Field is a perfect setting for a rom-com, since many young fans are looking for romance and not paying a whole lot of attention to the actual game.

— Paul Sullivan, Chicago Tribune, 1 Sep. 2026
Travis This name is perfect for fans of the Super Bowl-winning tight end of the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Kelce (or his famous girlfriend, Taylor Swift).

— Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of perfect

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exemplars

exemplary

exemplification

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“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of exemplary

adjective

Example Sentences

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