exemplar
Standard to follow
An exemplar is a model or ideal example of something—a person or thing that embodies qualities others might imitate or aspire to: She was an exemplar of grace under pressure.
The word carries more weight than "example," suggesting something worthy of emulation rather than merely representative.
In technical contexts, an exemplar may be a specific specimen used as a reference standard.
First functional specimen
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- specimenIndividual for examination
- patternRecurring arrangement or template
archetype · paradigm · guideline · benchmark · touchstone · standard · criterion · yardstick
Absence of any fault
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- apotheosisPeak or deification
- paragonFlawless model to emulate
zenith · acme · archetype · paradigm · ne plus ultra · embodiment · quintessence · summit
Person others emulate
- paragonFlawless model to emulate
- iconPictorial screen symbol
- heroOne admired for courage
- championTop competitor, or advocate
mentor · luminary · trailblazer · pioneer · virtuoso · maestro · leader · inspiration
Example proving a statement
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- instanceSingle occurrence of something
- specimenIndividual for examination
- embodimentConcrete manifestation of idea
representative · microcosm · snapshot · cross-section · demonstration · typification · manifestation
Unaffected by eras
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- quintessentialRepresenting the ideal type
- archetypalEmbodying the original pattern
prototypical · textbook · vintage · legendary · time-honored · canonical · hallmark · enduring
prototype
First functional specimen
- templatePreset pattern for reproduction
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- specimenIndividual for examination
pattern · archetype · paradigm · guideline · benchmark · touchstone · standard · criterion · yardstick · reference
perfection
Absence of any fault
- pinnacleUtmost summit or spire
- epitomePerfect representative of type
- apotheosisPeak or deification
paragon · zenith · acme · archetype · paradigm · ne plus ultra · embodiment · quintessence · summit · culmination
role model
Person others emulate
champion · mentor · luminary · trailblazer · pioneer · virtuoso · maestro · leader · inspiration · guiding light
case in point
Example proving a statement
- illustrationPicture explaining something
- instanceSingle occurrence of something
- specimenIndividual for examination
embodiment · representative · microcosm · snapshot · cross-section · demonstration · typification · manifestation
timeless
Unaffected by eras
- iconicWidely recognized, enduring
- definitiveSettling a question finally
- quintessentialRepresenting the ideal type
archetypal · prototypical · textbook · vintage · legendary · time-honored · canonical · hallmark · enduring · memorable
- excellenceexcellence, greatness, superior, perfection, premium
- notable figurespolitical leaders, historical figures, dignitary, luminary, presidents
- good peoplesaint, do-gooder, humanitarian, altruist, philanthropist
- idealsideal, utopia, archetypes, models, paradise
- perfectionperfect, flawless, faultless, impeccable, perfection
- role modelsrole model, idol, hero, paragon, inspiration
exemplarcounterexample
Instance disproving a claim
exception · anomaly · outlier · aberration · deviation
exemplarvillain
Wicked story antagonist
disgrace · scoundrel · reprobate · cautionary tale · pariah
exemplarmockery
Scornful ridicule or travesty
travesty · failure · disgrace · embarrassment · disappointment
- exemplary serviceAssistance worthy of imitation
exemplary, exemplify, exemplified, exemplification, exemplifying, exemplars