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exemplar

noun
ex·​em·​plar | \ ig-ˈzem-ˌplĂ€r How to pronounce exemplar (audio) , -plər, eg-\

Definition of exemplar

: 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
d : idea sense 4c
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about exemplar

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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

 Havlabar’s boiled khinkali rival the meaty exemplars at nearby competitor Khinkali House. — Glendale News-Press, "Review: Glendale’s Havlabar serves up cheesy khachapuri and Georgian soup dumplings," 5 Sep. 2019 But all were also exemplars of what’s fast becoming a Hollywood epidemic: the art of self-sabotage. — Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, "Les Moonves, Kevin Tsujihara and the Art of Hollywood Self-Sabotage," 23 Aug. 2019 The scion of a prominent Hollywood family thus became a lanky, long-haired icon of countercultural rebellion, an exemplar of a newer, nervier Hollywood that would chase away the creaky, hoary spirit of the old. — Justin Chang, chicagotribune.com, "Appreciation: The Peter Fonda role we should be talking about isn’t ‘Easy Rider,’ but ‘Ulee’s Gold’," 18 Aug. 2019 The scion of a prominent Hollywood family thus became a lanky, long-haired icon of countercultural rebellion, an exemplar of a newer, nervier Hollywood that would chase away the creaky, hoary spirit of the old. — Los Angeles Times, "Appreciation: ‘Easy Rider’ made Peter Fonda an icon. ‘Ulee’s Gold’ made him an actor to remember," 17 Aug. 2019 Image isn’t everything Van Wagenen, excepting his chair-throwing fit in a coaches’ meeting last week, seems an exemplar of California cool. — New York Times, "What Brodie Van Wagenen Can Learn From the Architect of the ’69 Mets," 22 July 2019 The volunteers at the phone-banking event were positive, friendly, and motivated, exemplars of the attitude that’s encouraged by the campaign. — Emily Witt, The New Yorker, "How Andrew Yang’s Robot Apocalypse Can Heal a Divided Nation," 18 July 2019 What’s more, Thurston conjectured, shapes that don’t have such an exemplar can be carved up into chunks that do. — Quanta Magazine, "Getting Into Shapes: From Hyperbolic Geometry to Cube Complexes and Back," 2 Oct. 2012 Dweck cited exemplars of growth mindsets, including Michael Jordan, Charles Darwin, photographer Cindy Sherman and Lou Gerstner, who rescued IBM. — Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, "Debate Arises over Teaching “Growth Mindsets” to Motivate Students," 12 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'exemplar.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of exemplar

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for exemplar

Middle English, from Latin, from exemplum example

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More Definitions for exemplar

exemplar

noun
How to pronounce exemplar (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of exemplar

formal
: an admired person or thing that is considered an example that deserves to be copied
: a typical example

See the full definition for exemplar in the English Language Learners Dictionary

More from Merriam-Webster on exemplar

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with exemplar

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for exemplar

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