exemplar

noun

ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär How to pronounce exemplar (audio)
-plər,
eg-
: one that serves as a model or example: such as
a
: an ideal model
b
: a typical or standard specimen
an exemplar of medieval architecture
c
: a copy of a book or writing
Choose the Right Synonym for exemplar

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

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

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Examples of exemplar in a Sentence

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.
Recent Examples on the Web Argentina has been a global exemplar for its progressive equal rights policies in recent decades. Caterina De Biasio, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2024 What results is a palette that’s at once gloomy and glossy, evoking the early vampire classics Lachman studied in preparation — German expressionist exemplars like 1922’s Nosferatu and 1932’s Vampyr, as well as Universal Pictures’ original Dracula from 1931. Matthew Jacobs, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Feb. 2024 Saba finds a driver, Nodar, who serves simultaneously as a straight-talking exemplar of Georgian fortitude, fellow sufferer (his young daughter has gone missing amid the strife) and comic relief. Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times, 31 Jan. 2024 The United States’ stature as a pillar and exemplar of democracy had been overtaken by the Trump administration’s election denialism playbook. Bruce Hoffman and Jacob Ware, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2023 For Hanna, these women also serve as exemplars of the grit and determination of refugees around the world. Andrew Leon Hanna, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 The Roots Community Birth Center model is offered as an exemplar of this approach with excellent impact on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Madhukar Pai, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2024 The Emira is an exemplar of Lotus’ engineering know-how. Steven Ewing, Ars Technica, 20 June 2023 The movement to build a temple for Ram at the same spot was not just about the return of a deity with crosscutting popularity in India as a just ruler and moral exemplar, but also the toppling of a symbol of conquest. Hari Kumar Atul Loke, New York Times, 22 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'exemplar.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin, from exemplum example

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exemplar was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near exemplar

Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exemplar. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

exemplar

noun
ex·​em·​plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär How to pronounce exemplar (audio)
-plər
1
: one that serves as a model or pattern
especially : an ideal model
2
: a typical example
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!