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 is best exemplified by the predominance of Rockwell in the museum’s collection. Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 2 Sep. 2026 Summary Financial analysts face criticism for potentially biased price targets, often adjusting them after stock movements, exemplified by Goldman Sachs raising Coinbase's target post-surge. Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026 Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority CEO Doug Kreulen said Parton’s life exemplified the values the airport seeks to nurture. Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026 These novels exemplify what’s best and most distinctive in his work. Literary Hub, 27 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 4 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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