easy
Mina showed exemplary teamwork by making sure every partner could contribute.
What does Exemplary mean?
Exemplary usually means setting a very good example. In other contexts it can mean representative, or intended as a warning.
Dictionary definition
So good that it can be a model for others to follow. In formal writing, it can also mean illustrating a type or pattern. An exemplary punishment is severe and meant to warn others against similar wrongdoing, rather than praise the person punished.
Example sentences
Exemplary in a sentence
medium
The reviewer chose a passage exemplary of the writer's short, direct style.
medium
The story describes an exemplary punishment intended to discourage others from breaking the rule.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice exemplary in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Practice the meaning of Exemplary
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
Why might a coach call a player's teamwork exemplary?
In praise, exemplary says the behaviour is good enough to serve as a model; it does not claim lifelong perfection.
Practice 2
In an exemplary punishment, what is the intended example?
This is the warning sense. It differs from exemplary conduct, which is praise.
Practice 3
Choose the noun: This project is an ___ of careful planning.
Exemplar names the model or example. Exemplary describes it, and exemplarily describes how something is done.
Practice complete
Nice work!
You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
⬡ Earn 5 Honey
Exemplary
Voice settings
Sounds like
ig · zem · pluh · ree · strongest beat: zem
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordExemplary.
Partadjective.
MeaningExemplary means Exemplary usually means setting a very good example. In other contexts it can mean representative, or intended as a warning.
ExampleExample: Mina showed exemplary teamwork by making sure every partner could contribute.
Word breakdown
4 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- ig · zem · pluh · ree
- Strongest beat
- zem
- Ending
- ree
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on zem.
Your turn
Say Exemplary
Record a short attempt, then compare it with the Coach. Your recording stays on this device and is not uploaded.
Coach
My attempt
Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced exemplary.
Synonyms
Words like Exemplary
commendableUse when praising conduct or work that deserves approval.
illustrativeUse for a passage or case that demonstrates a pattern, rather than for praise.
Antonyms
Opposite words
deplorableUse when condemning behaviour, in contrast to exemplary conduct worthy of imitation.
Synonym practice
Word family
Exemplary word family
Base word
exemplary
noun
exemplar
A person or thing that serves as a model or representative example.
adverb
exemplarily
In a way that sets an example: the volunteers behaved exemplarily.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Exemplary
Hint for students
Most everyday uses praise a good model. In the formal pattern exemplary of a style, it can mean representative. Stress ZEM in ig-ZEM-pluh-ree.
Common mix-up
Do not replace every use of example with exemplary. An example can be poor; exemplary conduct is praised. Check the noun being described, because exemplary punishment has the separate warning sense.
Try it in class or at home
Describe a helpful group action as exemplary and explain what others could copy. Then choose a paragraph that illustrates an author's style and explain the different sense of exemplary of.
Teacher prompt
Compare: Mina showed exemplary teamwork, and The story describes an exemplary punishment. What kind of example is meant in each sentence?
Learning activities
Practice Exemplary and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice EXEMPLARY” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice EXEMPLARY
Sentence Builder
Write your own sentence with this word and revise with checklist feedback.
Write a sentence with EXEMPLARY
Explore · Spelling
Spell Hive
Hear the word, type the spelling, and use spoken clues when needed.
Practice spelling
Explore · Definitions
Define the Word Hive
Choose the meaning that fits and get instant feedback.
Practice definitions
Explore · Matching
Vocabulary Match
Pair words with meanings and review misses with dictionary links.
Match meanings
Explore · Context
Context Clue Challenge
Use sentence clues to choose the word that fits the meaning.
Use context clues
Explore · Synonyms
Synonym Search
Compare nearby meanings and choose the closest match.
Compare meanings
Explore · Scramble
Scrambled Bees
Rebuild words from mixed-up letters for spelling practice.
Rebuild words