exemplar

noun

ex·em·plar ig-ˈzem-ˌplär

-plər,

eg-

Synonyms of exemplar next

: one that serves as a model or example: such as

: an ideal model

: a typical or standard specimen

an exemplar of medieval architecture

: a copy of a book or writing

: idea sense 4c

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

Example Sentences

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage He is an exemplar of this new breed of politician.

Recent Examples on the Web In the last 72 hours, that note, released on Monday, apparently months after some signers agreed to support an earlier draft and obviously in error, has become an exemplar of dissent inside the Democratic caucus that hints at a nascent fight poised to explode after the November elections. —

Philip Elliott, Time, 28 Oct. 2022 Need another exemplar of Alabama political sleight of hand? —

Kyle Whitmire, al, 17 Oct. 2021 For one, Harris’s fixation on Romney as some exemplar isn’t an accident. —

Alex Shephard, The New Republic, 31 Mar. 2023 California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard is meant to be an exemplar of the energy transition — a model for marrying the interests of big agriculture and the state’s climate goals that carefully sidesteps the collateral environmental fallout caused by earlier experiments with biofuels. —

Los Angeles Times, 24 Mar. 2022 Thus, the man known in the West as the Pope who brought down Communism is also an exemplar for Kirill and his project. —

Paul Elie, The New Yorker, 12 Mar. 2022 The species entirely bewitched Jent early on in his fungi days, becoming the exemplar of mycelium that would root into his imagination. —

Nick Rallo, Dallas News, 9 Jan. 2022 Since starring in a campaign for Gucci Beauty in partnership with Vogue Italia last year, British model Ellie Goldstein has become an exemplar of come-as-you-are confidence. —

Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2021 Herbie Hancock and Keith Jarrett are among the prominent jazz pianists who looked to Mr. Jamal as an exemplar. —

Eric Grode, New York Times, 16 Apr. 2023 See More

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.