exemplified; exemplifying

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.
Holmes's journey from large-scale distilling at Jim Beam to leading a craft distillery in Texas exemplifies her dedication to the craft and her ability to adapt and innovate within the industry. Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025 That exemplified her approach, even if her first cookbook sometimes deviated from that mission. Danielle Dorsey, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2025 The resin’s unexplained inclusion on the list exemplifies how opaque the administration’s process for crafting its tariff policy has been. Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 22 Apr. 2025 Tree Hut exemplifies building up its consumers, how does that relate to the brand’s overall mission? Fairchild Studio, Footwear News, 18 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplify

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

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 28 Apr. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on exemplify

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