exemplar

noun

ig-ˈzem-ˌplär How to pronounce exemplar (audio)
Definition of exemplarnext
1
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like the village's Congregational church could serve as an exemplar of the white clapboard church with a steeple that is a fixture in old New England towns

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in model
someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation few of history's heroes were quite the exemplars that generations of schoolteachers made them out to be

Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in classic
the most perfect type or example the paintings of the French painter Claude Monet are often regarded as exemplars of Impressionism

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the noun exemplar differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example, ideal, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Where would example be a reasonable alternative to exemplar?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

When is ideal a more appropriate choice than exemplar?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When would model be a good substitute for exemplar?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When is it sensible to use pattern instead of exemplar?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

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 exemplar India would cease to be an exemplar of liberal democracy at a time when the world desperately needs one. —Ashley J. Tellis, Foreign Affairs, 17 June 2025 The most powerful exemplar of rebellion in Anderson’s œuvre is his vision of Zsa-zsa against the world. —Richard Brody, New Yorker, 29 May 2025 The great exemplar of their mystery is the colossal squid, which live in dark, freezing water thousands of feet under the sea and are the size of buses. —The New Yorker, New Yorker, 28 May 2025 This year’s exemplar is Duster, J.J. Abrams’ HBO crime thriller that will premiere on Sunday, with creator LaToya Morgan and star Josh Holloway in town. —Max Goldbart, Deadline, 24 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for exemplar
Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar
  1. example
  2. model
  3. classic
  4. idea
  5. ideal
  6. incarnation
  7. manifestation
  8. perfection
Noun
  • Media personality Bo Dietl, for example, is teaming up with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to raise $10 million through an outside group to challenge Mamdani, the Wall Street Journal reported.
    — David Zimmermann, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • We’re told, for example, that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has at various times stationed at least five people there, including an assistant special agent in charge and two drone operators.
    — Steve Bousquet, Sun Sentinel, 12 July 2025
Definition of example
Noun
  • The Double Shot made our reviewer's hair nice and smooth while giving it volume, and managed to give less frizz than other models.
    — Boutayna Chokrane, Wired News, 9 July 2025
  • Map migration priorities to outcomes such as accelerating innovation, enabling real-time analytics or supporting new digital business models.
    — Chetan Mathur, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025
Definition of model
Noun
  • The film didn’t perform well, but the soundtrack has become a cult classic, and now, The Pick of Destiny has become a commercial success.
    — Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025
  • The Steven Spielberg classic is celebrating its 50th anniversary, the creature feature birthing the modern-day summer blockbuster on June 20, 1975.
    — Natalie Oganesyan, Deadline, 13 July 2025
Definition of classic
Noun
  • One of the first in the now exceedingly popular date night genre, this nifty book has 50 date ideas to keep things interesting for you and your boo.
    — WIRED, Wired News, 10 July 2025
  • Unemployment had altered her idea of what qualified as a life.
    — Nora Lange, New Yorker, 10 July 2025
Definition of idea
Noun
  • This New Balance sneaker earns top marks because its cushioned base and rubber sole are designed to cradle each step — ideal for seniors or those with foot pain.
    — Alyssa Grabinski, People.com, 12 July 2025
  • Of course, several ideals may come into play at once.
    — Dax Dasilva, Forbes.com, 11 July 2025
Definition of ideal
Noun
  • Candidates are subject to a series of tests, including identifying objects that belonged to the previous incarnation.
    — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 3 July 2025
  • Mixed in with this bold art and design are art deco vestiges of the building’s former incarnation as the Saxony Hotel in the 1950s and ’60s, when Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra and Elvis frequented the hot spot.
    — Jennifer Kester, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
Definition of incarnation
Noun
  • These methods address not just the emotional but the physical manifestations of moral injury and foster long-term resilience.
    — Yujia Zhu, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • Wimbledon is the tennis manifestation of this attitude, the sensible friend who likes to call it a night early.
    — Charlie Eccleshare, New York Times, 6 July 2025
Definition of manifestation
Noun
  • Speaking of perfection, yes, there is such a thing as being too organized.
    — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2025
  • There was a clip about 'perfection' that was narrated by Russell Crowe.
    — Geoffrey Knox, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Definition of perfection

Browse Nearby Words

exempla
exemplar
exemplars
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Cite this Entry

“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.

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