exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

transitive verb

1

: to show or illustrate by example

anecdotes exemplifying those virtues

2

: to make an attested copy or transcript of (a document) under seal

3

a

: to be an instance of or serve as an example : embody

she exemplifies the qualities of a good leader

b

: to be typical of

a dish that exemplifies French cuisine

Synonyms

• demonstrate
• illustrate
• instance

Examples of exemplify in a Sentence

His works exemplify the taste of the period.

The city's economic growth is exemplified by the many new buildings that are currently under construction.

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the chief judge used the opportunity to issue a clarion call for judicial review of the massive sentences that have fueled the crisis of mass incarceration, exemplified by the almost 7,500 people serving life or long-term sentences in New York prisons. —Steve Zeidman, New York Daily News, 11 Feb. 2025

The accolade highlights two standout athletes whose skill and dedication exemplify the flag football league's values on and off the field. —Janine Rubenstein, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

The modus operandi behind the gown was to exemplify Beyoncé’s regality. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 3 Feb. 2025

That disbelief was perhaps best exemplified on episode 5 of The Traitors when Danielle Reyes tried to convince her former Big Brother frenemy Britney Haynes that Carolyn was a Traitor. —Dalton Ross, EW.com, 3 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English exemplifien, from Anglo-French exemplifier, from Medieval Latin exemplificare, from Latin exemplum

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

exemplify

verb

ex·​em·​pli·​fy ig-ˈzem-plə-ˌfī 

exemplified; exemplifying

1

: to show by example

the story exemplifies the virtue of generosity

2

: to serve as an example of

she exemplifies a good leader

exemplification

-ˌzem-plə-fə-ˈkā-shən

noun