Exemplary – Meaning & Examples in a Sentence

Imagine someone or something so outstanding that others say, “I want to be just like that.” That’s what the word exemplary captures. Whether you’re writing an essay, giving feedback at work, or simply chatting, using this word correctly can show that you’re confident in describing superior performance, behaviour, or situations. You’ll know not only what “exemplary” means, but also when and how to use it naturally. You’ll see lots of example sentences, explore synonyms and antonyms, examine common pitfalls, and pick up tips to remember and practice the word. Ready? Let’s dive in.

What Does “Exemplary” Mean?

Understanding the meaning of exemplary is your first step toward using it well.

Definition

At its core, exemplary is an adjective. According to the Merriam‑Webster dictionary, it means “deserving imitation : commendable; also : deserving imitation because of excellence.”
The Cambridge University Press definition puts it this way: “very good and suitable to be copied by other people.”
So when you call someone’s work exemplary, you’re saying it’s not just good — it’s a model others can follow.

Etymology

The word comes from Latin exemplum, meaning “example” or “model.”
Over time it evolved into “exemplary” in English, first recorded around the 1500s. 

Pronunciation & Part of Speech

• Pronunciation (US): /ɪɡˈzɛmpləri/ or /ɛgˈzɛmpləri/ 
• Part of speech: adjective (for describing nouns)
  For example: She displayed exemplary leadership.
  Breakdown of Core Meaning

• Worthy of imitation: telling someone, “Yes — this is how to do it.”
• Serving as a model or pattern: the behaviour, work, or example is so good it sets a standard.
  
• Sometimes warning/ deterrent: in contexts like “exemplary punishment,” it serves as a warning to others.

“Exemplary” in Everyday Language

Now that you know what it means, let’s look at how people actually use exemplary — and how you can use it too.

Contexts where it appears

• Workplace: “Her exemplary performance earned her a promotion.”
• Education: “He has exemplary attendance and always completes homework ahead of time.”
  Character/behaviour: “He led an exemplary life, helping others without complaint.”
  Performance or quality: “The craftsmanship was exemplary in every detail.”
  Punishment or deterrence (formal/legal): “The court imposed an exemplary fine to discourage others.”

Formal vs Informal Use

Exemplary is slightly more formal than saying “really good” or “awesome.”

• Formal/academic: appropriate for essays, reports, business feedback.
  Casual: you can use it, but if you say “‘That was exemplary’” in a chat it might sound a little grandiose. So match the tone.
• Tip: If you want to keep things casual, you might say “great example” instead of “exemplary example.”
  Comparison with Similar Words

Here’s how exemplary stacks up alongside some similar adjectives:

Synonyms and Antonyms of “Exemplary”

Expanding your vocabulary helps you avoid repetition and choose the best word for your context.

Synonyms

Here are strong alternative words for “exemplary”:

Antonyms

And here are words that convey the opposite of exemplary:

• Unworthy
• Dishonorable
• Mediocre
• Inferior

By knowing both sides, you’ll better assess whether your use of exemplary truly fits the scenario.

How to Use “Exemplary” in a Sentence

Let’s get practical. Below are categories and real-life sentences you can adapt.

Everyday conversation

• “Her exemplary work ethic inspires everyone on the team.”
  “Despite the challenges, he maintained an exemplary attitude.”
• “That’s an exemplary effort — thank you for going the extra mile.”
  

Academic writing

• “The study presents an exemplary case of successful environmental policy.”
• “Her methodology is exemplary, offering a blueprint for future researchers.”
• “This paper provides an exemplary illustration of theoretical application.”

Workplace / Professional

• “The anager praised her for exemplary customer service.”
• “Our team delivered exemplary results this quarter, exceeding all expectations.”
• “His exemplary leadership turned the project around.”

Descriptive / Narrative use

• “In the novel, the protagonist’s exemplary courage is the turning point.
• “They created an exemplary space where every guest feels welcome.”
• “The vintage car’s exemplary restoration brought it back to pristine condition.”

Table of Example Sentences

Common Mistakes When Using “Exemplary”

Using a word correctly means knowing how not to misuse it. Here are some frequent pitfalls.

• Using it as a noun: “His exemplary was noted” — incorrect. It’s an adjective.
  Mixing it with “example” when meaning “instance”: “He provided an example of his issue” — wrong. Use “example” or “illustration”.
• Overusing in informal settings: Saying “That’s exemplary” casually may sound unnatural.
  
• Using it to describe negative actions without clarifying the “warning” sense: “The exemplary behaviour of…” is okay, but “exemplary accident” is odd unless you mean “an accident that serves as a cautionary example.”
  Assuming it means simply “very good”: If you call something exemplary, you imply it should be imitated. Be sure that matches your meaning.

“Exemplary” vs. “Example” — What’s the Difference?

Sometimes these two can confuse learners. Here’s a clear comparison.

In short: example describes what; exemplary describes how good or model-worthy something is.

Idioms & Phrases Related to “Exemplary”

Language often gives you handy phrases — here are ones tied to the idea of being exemplary.

• “Set an example (for)” – to do something so others will follow.
  “He set an example for younger players by arriving early every day.”
• “Be a role model” – to behave in such a way others look up to
  “She became a role model through her exemplary volunteer efforts.”
• “Lead by example” – to show rather than tell what should be done.
  “As a manager, you need to lead by example and show work-life balance.”
• “A shining example of…” – to highlight someone or something as outstanding.
  “This school is a shining example of community engagement.”

Each of these connects with exemplary — you could rephrase: “The school’s exemplary community engagement makes it a shining example…”

Cultural & Real-Life Uses

Let’s take a look at how exemplary shows up in real life — in awards, literature, leadership, and more.

Schools & Awards

Many institutions call awards “Exemplary Student”, “Exemplary Service”, or similar. By naming it “exemplary”, they signal that the winner has set a benchmark for others.

Media and Literature

In reviews or commentary you’ll see things like: “The director’s work is exemplary in its attention to detail.” That means it’s not just good — it stands out as a model.

Leadership & Character

Political figures, business leaders, athletes often get described as exemplary. Example: “His exemplary conduct during the crisis won him widespread respect.” This use emphasizes that others can learn from him.

Case Study – Corporate Example

Company X launched a green initiative. They reduced waste by 50 %, engaged employees at every level, publicly documented progress. Industry reviewers called the strategy exemplary — meaning it can serve as a blueprint for other companies to follow. The word signals: this isn’t just good — it should be replicated.

How to Remember and Practice Using “Exemplary”

You’ve learned a lot. Now let’s lock it in with memory devices and practice ideas.

Mnemonic Device

• “Ex-ample + -ary” = “An example worth imitating.”
• Think: exemplary = example + legendary (just playful, but helps recall).

Practice Tips

• Write 5 sentences today using exemplary. Vary contexts: workplace, school, hobby.
• Use flashcards: front side “exemplary”, back side meaning + one example sentence.
• Try a “quiz”: take a sentence from your own writing and ask “Could I use ‘exemplary’ here to raise the quality?”

Read More:Is It Correct to Say “Be It”?

Interactive Engagement for Readers

Challenge yourself:

• Underline or highlight exemplary when you come across it in articles over the next week.
• Keep a mini-journal: each day note someone or something you think is exemplary, and write a sentence: “Today I saw an exemplary ___ because ___.”

FAQs about “Exemplary”

Let’s answer some common questions you might have.

Q1. Is “exemplary” always positive?
 

Mostly yes — when you say something is exemplary, you’re praising it. However, there’s a secondary meaning: “serving as a warning” (e.g., “exemplary punishment”). 

Q2. Can I say “exemplary example”?

Generally no — that’s redundant. Since exemplary already means “worth imitating,” pairing it with “example” weakens the impact. Instead say: “His behaviour was exemplary.”

Q3. What is an “exemplary person”?

Someone whose conduct, choices, or achievements set a high standard others might follow. For instance, a teacher who stays after hours, mentors students, fosters growth would be described as an exemplary educator.

Q4. What are some synonyms for “exemplary performance”?

• Outstanding performance
• Model performance
• Stellar performance
• Meritorious performance

Q5. Is “exemplary” formal or informal?

It leans formal. It’s fully appropriate in essays, professional writing, speeches. In casual conversation you may use simpler words (“great”, “top-notch”), but “exemplary” still works if you want to emphasise high standards.

Final Thoughts

To wrap up: when you call something exemplary, you’re doing more than saying “very good.” You’re saying it sets a standard and is worth imitating. Whether it’s a project, behaviour, or achievement — you’re sending the message: “This is how it should be done.”

So next time you notice someone going above and beyond, or you complete something that really shines, don’t hesitate to toss in the word exemplary. Use it intentionally, use it accurately, and you’ll communicate more powerfully. Go ahead and be exemplary in your own communication.

Keyword used: exemplary, meaning of exemplary, exemplary in a sentence, examples of exemplary.

Ruby Skye