If you describe someone or something as exemplary, you think they are extremely good.
Underpinning this success has been an exemplary record of innovation.
2. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]
An exemplary punishment is unusually harsh and is intended to stop other people from committing similar crimes.
He demanded exemplary sentences for those behind the violence.
Synonyms: warning, harsh, cautionary, admonitory More Synonyms of exemplary
More Synonyms of exemplary
exemplary in British English
(ɪɡˈzɛmplərɪ)
adjective
1.
fit for imitation; model
an exemplary performance
2.
serving as a warning; admonitory
an exemplary jail sentence
3.
representative; typical
an action exemplary of his conduct
Derived forms
exemplarily (exˈemplarily)
adverb
exemplariness (exˈemplariness)
noun
exemplary in American English
(ɛgˈzɛmpləri; ɪgˈzɛmpləri; ˈɛgzɛmˌpləri)
adjective
1.
serving as a model or example; worth imitating
exemplary behavior
2.
serving as a warning or deterrent
exemplary punishment
3.
serving as a sample, instance, type, etc.; illustrative
exemplary extracts
Derived forms
exemplarily (exˈemplarily)
adverb
exemplariness (exˈemplariness)
noun
Word origin
LL exemplaris: see exemplar
Examples of 'exemplary' in a sentence
exemplary
The government should make a point of winning this fight, visibly, in exemplary fashion.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
She did it too in exemplary fashion.
The Sun (2014)
Such an outcome would be palatable were the big four offering exemplary service.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
If it means sending people to prison by way of an exemplary sentence then so be it.
The Sun (2010)
They will further face exemplary damages if they lose.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The pair have an exemplary track record.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
His exemplary conduct and actions touched the lives and hearts of many.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
There should be exemplary punishment so future generations realise crime does not pay.
The Sun (2010)
He has consistently behaved in an exemplary fashion.
The Sun (2006)
Rooms are fabulously furnished with period pieces and the service is exemplary.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Our law has always been sparing in its use of exemplary damages.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But police officers are supposed to be exemplary in their conduct.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
But if some receive swift and exemplary punishment it will serve as a deterrent to the rest.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
He always represented both his club and his country in exemplary fashion.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
In some circumstances the court can punish particularly blatant acts of trespass with much higher exemplary damages.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It means ambulance workers now join police and fire personnel in having a prestigious medal for exemplary services.
The Sun (2011)
He has an exemplary scoring record for both club and country but is not just a fox in the box.
The Sun (2010)
The panel said that she had an exemplary record in the force and that it had been troubled by her ordeal.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Britain's great hope was not alone in producing an exemplary performance.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Tough, exemplary sentences are right for those who did wrong.
The Sun (2011)
Always an exemplary performance from me, of course.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They gave another exemplary performance in stifling heat and appeared to have set up the game for England.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Part of the problem lies in the nature of the call to the ministry, a call to exemplary conduct as well as unselfish service.
Christianity Today (2000)
I have witnessed very poor behaviour by parents and coaches but in my experience such incidents are in a minority compared with the exemplary role models.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
A spokesman said: 'Public figures should be conscious that they are role models and adopt exemplary driving behaviour.
The Sun (2010)
In other languages
exemplary
British English: exemplary ADJECTIVE
If you describe someone or something as exemplary, you think they are extremely good.
Underpinning this success has been an exemplary record of innovation.
American English: exemplary
Brazilian Portuguese: exemplar
Chinese: 堪称典范的
European Spanish: ejemplar
French: exemplaire
German: beispielhaft
Italian: esemplare
Japanese: 模範的な
Korean: 훌륭한
European Portuguese: exemplar
Latin American Spanish: ejemplar
1 (adjective)
Definition
so good as to be an example worthy of imitation
He showed outstanding and exemplary courage in the face of danger.
Synonyms
ideal
She decided I was the ideal person to take over this job.
good
The president is a good man.
fine
He was an excellent journalist and a fine man.
model
excellent
We complimented him on doing an excellent job.
sterling
his years of sterling service
admirable
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
honourable
commendable
He has acted with commendable speed.
laudable
One of her less laudable characteristics was her jealousy.
praiseworthy
praiseworthy efforts
meritorious
I had been promoted for gallant and meritorious service.
estimable
an estimable cricket team with two members holding world records
punctilious
2 (adjective)
an exemplary case of how issues of this sort can be resolved
Synonyms
typical
typical pastimes such as watching films and reading
representative
fairly representative groups of adults
characteristic
Windmills are a characteristic feature of the landscape.
signature
illustrative
The following excerpt is illustrative of her interaction with students.
3 (adjective)
Definition
(of a punishment) extremely harsh, so as to discourage others from committing a similar crime
He demanded exemplary sentences for those behind the violence.
Synonyms
warning
Pain can act as a warning signal that something is wrong.
harsh
cautionary
admonitory
monitory
Additional synonyms
in the sense of admirable
Definition
deserving or inspiring admiration
The film tells its story with admirable economy.
Synonyms
praiseworthy,
good,
great (informal),
fine,
capital,
noted,
choice,
champion,
prime,
select,
wonderful,
excellent,
brilliant,
rare,
cracking (British, informal),
outstanding,
valuable,
superb,
distinguished,
superior,
sterling,
worthy,
first-class,
notable,
sovereign,
dope (slang),
world-class,
exquisite,
exemplary,
first-rate,
superlative,
commendable,
top-notch (informal),
brill (informal),
laudable,
meritorious,
estimable,
tiptop,
A1 or A-one (informal),
bitchin' (US, slang),
chillin' (US, slang),
booshit (Australian, slang),
exo (Australian, slang),
sik (Australian, slang),
ka pai (New Zealand),
rad (informal),
phat (slang),
schmick (Australian, informal),
beaut (informal),
barrie (Scottish, slang),
belting (British, slang),
pearler (Australian, slang)
in the sense of admonitory
Synonyms
reprimanding,
warning,
advisory,
rebuking,
scolding,
admonishing,
cautionary,
reproving,
reproachful
in the sense of characteristic
Definition
typical or representative of someone or something
Windmills are a characteristic feature of the landscape.