Exemplary
What it means
So strong in conduct or quality that it deserves to serve as a model.
Reach for it when praising work others could beneficially imitate
Her exemplary notes made the next shift both safer and faster.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
textbook
Fits when conduct closely matches a familiar standard
Careful The term can sound mechanical or ironic and may praise conformity over judgment.
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everyday
Fits when superior quality is enough
Careful Outstanding work may be unique and therefore impossible or unwise to imitate.
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warm
Fits when a near-perfect fit for the purpose deserves emphasis
Careful An ideal may be aspirational, while exemplary points to an actual example.
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professional
Fits when an example can be deliberately copied
Careful Model can describe an idealized pattern that has not been tested in practice.
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formal
Fits when an action merits approval despite an imperfect result
Careful Commendable gives measured approval but stops short of exemplary model quality.
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literary
Fits when dependable character or service has proved excellent
Careful Sterling is uncommon and does not explicitly invite imitation.
Opposites 4
- disgraceful
- poor
- unworthy
- faulty
Common phrases 3
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exemplary conduct
The captain's exemplary conduct included reporting her own error first.
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exemplary service
His exemplary service combined speed with patient explanation.
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exemplary record
The clinic maintained an exemplary record of informed consent.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated