1
Core quality
Outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
Example
The crew showed exemplary discipline during the emergency.
exemplary
/ɪɡˈzempləri/ · ig-ZEM-pluh-reeadjective
Outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
Use exemplary to express this relationship precisely: outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
What exemplary Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Her exemplary research practices were adopted elsewhere.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The response was competent but not exemplary.
Use exemplary Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
The crew showed exemplary discipline during the emergency.
Her exemplary research practices were adopted elsewhere.
The response was competent but not exemplary.
Precision Matters
Exemplary overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
exemplary
vs.Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
egregious
Means outstandingly and conspicuously bad, wrong, or offensive.
exemplary
vs.Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
notorious
Means widely known, especially for something bad, harmful, or unfavourable.
exemplary
vs.Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
remiss
Means careless or failing to perform a duty, responsibility, or expected action.
exemplary
vs.Means outstandingly good and worthy of imitation; serving as an admirable model.
commend
Means praise or express approval of someone or something, especially for a worthy action or quality.
Test exemplary in Context
Its conduct is outstanding and worthy of imitation.
1
The laboratory's transparent records and careful safety procedures were considered ___.