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

Relevance

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 The Television Critics Association has unveiled the winners for the 42nd Annual TCA Awards, which honor exemplary series and stars from the 2025-2026 TV season. — Jack Dunn, Variety, 20 Aug. 2026 The two left tackles looked solid out in space blocking, but the pass protection didn’t seem exemplary. — Kevin Fishbain, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026 Given that Furious has established a track record of taking excellent actors and then swiftly killing them by Catherine’s hand, this reveal might illustrate that Emma (the exemplary Hope Davis) is the next to go. — Erin Qualey, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for exemplary

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplary

Adjective

If suede is more your style, these naturally water-resistant loafers are a classic pick.

— Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026
Porta platters, Emporio Sirenuse dipping bowls, classic Christofle silver, Guy Degrenne all-purpose wine glasses for wine, water, and spritzes.

— Elly Leavitt, Vogue, 4 Sep. 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 Department of Defense attempted to blacklist Anthropic in February after the company refused to remove restrictions on its AI models being used for autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance, a move widely seen as punitive.

— Tom Chivers, semafor.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Defense attorneys described their confinement as effectively punitive segregation even though the brothers had not committed disciplinary violations.

— Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of punitive

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

Browse Nearby Words

exemplars

exemplary

exemplification

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Exemplary.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplary. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of exemplary

adjective

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Podcast

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

matriculate

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

The Words of the Week - Sept. 4

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Games & Quizzes