Thesaurus results for EXEMPLAR

Q: How does the noun 'exemplar' differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example , ideal , model , and pattern . While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification. // cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Q: Where would 'example' be a reasonable alternative to 'exemplar'?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

Q: When is 'ideal' a more appropriate choice than 'exemplar'?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception. // never found a job that matched his ideal

Q: When would 'model' be a good substitute for 'exemplar'?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation. // a decor that is a model of good taste

Q: When is it sensible to use 'pattern' instead of 'exemplar'?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype. // American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar

noun

ig-ˈzem-ˌplär

Definition of exemplar next

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like the village's Congregational church could serve as an exemplar of the white clapboard church with a steeple that is a fixture in old New England towns

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as in model

someone of such unequaled perfection as to deserve imitation few of history's heroes were quite the exemplars that generations of schoolteachers made them out to be

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as in classic

the most perfect type or example the paintings of the French painter Claude Monet are often regarded as exemplars of Impressionism

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How does the noun exemplar differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of exemplar are example, ideal, model, and pattern. While all these words mean "someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation," exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

Where would example be a reasonable alternative to exemplar?

While the synonyms example and exemplar are close in meaning, 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

When is ideal a more appropriate choice than exemplar?

Although the words ideal and exemplar have much in common, ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

When would model be a good substitute for exemplar?

The synonyms model and exemplar are sometimes interchangeable, but model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

When is it sensible to use pattern instead of exemplar?

The words pattern and exemplar can be used in similar contexts, but pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of exemplar Spain said Eaton is a key piece of the 1940s Modernist plan for the campus that guided its development and an exemplar of the International Style of design that then prevailed. —

Andres Viglucci, Miami Herald, 15 Jan. 2026 Hustled by Piotr Zielinski in midfield, an exemplar of the aforementioned depth Inter have in that position, McTominay lost the ball and watched his opponents go up the other end and score an early opener via Federico Dimarco. —

James Horncastle, New York Times, 13 Jan. 2026 Out of all of them, the grave of the wife of a military officer stood out as a spectacular exemplar for its wealth of goods. —

Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Jan. 2026 The Dutch — forebears of our city and exemplars of cycling culture — require fast e-bikes to be licensed and insured as mopeds. —

Sameer Butt, New York Daily News, 4 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for exemplar

Recent Examples of Synonyms for exemplar

Noun

In 2024, for example, the Democratic congressman secured $1 million for a local organization that operates a maternity home for pregnant and new moms between the ages of 12 and 21.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 1 Apr. 2026
For example, you're not obligated to buy the car rental company's expensive insurance, regardless of what a car rental salesperson claims.

— Christopher Elliott, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Definition of example

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exemplar

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“Exemplar.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/exemplar. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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Synonyms of exemplar

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