case 1 of 3

Definition of casenext

case

2 of 3

noun (2)

1
as in patient
an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known

Synonyms & Similar Words

3
4
as in explanation
a statement given to explain a belief or act you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied

Synonyms & Similar Words

5
6
as in possibility
something that might happen it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery

Synonyms & Similar Words

7

case

3 of 3

verb

Synonym Chooser

How is the word case distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of case are example, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

a case of mistaken identity

When would example be a good substitute for case?

While in some cases nearly identical to case, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When is it sensible to use illustration instead of case?

While the synonyms illustration and case are close in meaning, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When could instance be used to replace case?

Although the words instance and case have much in common, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

In what contexts can sample take the place of case?

The meanings of sample and case largely overlap; however, sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

show us a sample of your work

When might specimen be a better fit than case?

The synonyms specimen and case are sometimes interchangeable, but specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

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 case
Noun
And in Olathe’s case, bonds reduce the need to pull money away from classrooms and school programs. Kendrick Calfee february 11, Kansas City Star, 11 Feb. 2026 Mayor Pro Tem John Kirkland said Bastrop’s municipal court also handles truancy cases. Aaron Sullivan, Austin American Statesman, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Police said the new person of interest in the Brown University shooting was seen casing the area before the incident. Jared Gans, The Hill, 17 Dec. 2025 As technology becomes more sophisticated and third-party vendors offer everything from billing to case management to remote reception, running a small but competitive practice is more viable than ever. Liane Jackson, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • The Uptown Penny Loafer Mule combines a grippy platform sole with a deep heel cup to provide optimal stability for hours-long wear, delivering the same comfort as if your foot were fully enclosed.
    Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 9 Feb. 2026
  • Equipped with five sockets and two USB ports, this power strip, enclosed in metal with a rubber base, can sit upright on the floor or desktop and offers eight feet of extension from your wall outlet.
    Kelsey Borovinsky, Architectural Digest, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Our approach to understanding the meat computers encased in our skulls has historically varied by discipline.
    Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
  • In reality, Puertorriqueñidad encases a variety of stories, styles, shades, and textures, which were displayed through every narrative tool possible, including the varied characters, scenery, and fashion choices of the production.
    Sofía Viera, Allure, 9 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Tara Lewis, spokesperson for the city’s Economic Development Department, said the decision to terminate the lease fits with the goals outlined in the audit and is not an indication the course won’t reopen.
    David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The assault in the restroom seems to fit into a pattern of men exploiting or hurting Sweetpea.
    Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Kindergarten readiness encompasses the foundational skills necessary to engage in a more formal learning environment, said Ohio State University educational psychology professor Laura Justice.
    Dallas Morning News, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026
  • The supply plan encompasses multiple sub-brands, including Qiyuan, Deepal, Avatr, and Uni, thereby positioning the technology for broader adoption across various vehicle segments.
    Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Look for containers to house baking supplies, grab-and-go snacks, breakfast items, seasoning mixes, and hard-to-organize spice packets.
    Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Feb. 2026
  • That’s a massive problem, because a detention center that’s open 24 hours a day and houses enough humans to populate a small city will put a far greater strain on public resources than any warehouse could.
    Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • From now on, the Post will no longer accommodate the admirably omnivorous avidity of its best readers.
    Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Part of the project will also be expanding a portion of the cart path to accommodate the new service window and to provide ADA access.
    Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on case

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!