case 1 of 3

case

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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

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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
Charles Garcia-Berrios cased out a Gary pawn shop several times in the days and weeks before Derek Sanders went and shot owner Brandon Cruz dead on Nov. 17, a prosecutor said Monday. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 According to police, investigators recovered a 9mm Glock handgun and a spent shell casing from Lauren’s residence. Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2025
Verb
The investigation was carried out by the Hamilton County Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, which investigates child exploitation cases in Hamilton, Hancock, Madison and Tipton Counties. Ryan Murphy, IndyStar, 25 July 2025 Instead, changes to the awards came after the HHS review, which in some cases delayed the release of the money and left programs hanging. Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 25 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for case
Recent Examples of Synonyms for case
Verb
  • The ellipse enclosing these locations is called an error ellipse.
    Toshi Hirabayashi, Space.com, 23 July 2025
  • Outside the venue, fans spotted an art installation featuring a muscular figure enclosed in a clear box — seemingly a nod to the upcoming album’s cover art.
    Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 July 2025
Verb
  • As reported, the two parties released the Hublot Classic Fusion Como Edition, a 42-mm chronograph encased in a sleek black ceramic case with a deep blue dial, made available in a limited run of 50 pieces retailing for 17,500 euros each.
    Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 30 July 2025
  • Esparza led us to a pair of women who were serving thick, eggy fritters encasing pacaya, bracingly bitter palm flowers, harvested from the tree’s fleshy spikes and served with beans and rice.
    Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
Verb
  • The wool fabric was super warm and soft to the touch, and my sheets fit on it perfectly.
    Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Mullins, and his high energy, will fit nicely in the Mets’ clubhouse.
    Jim Bowden, New York Times, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Known for a deep, authoritarian bass voice that could have been used to voice movie trailers — and for his constant companion, his walking stick — Davis’ tenure encompassed an evolution of Chicago politics over nearly a half century in public life.
    Rick Pearson, Chicago Tribune, 31 July 2025
  • Rubin had been touring with Nine Inch Nails since 2009, a tenure that encompassed the band’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in 2020, in which he was included.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • The mezzanine housing the wheelhouse provides direct access to a flybridge offering the flexibility to create a sunbathing lounge, al fresco dining area, or private retreat with direct access to the pool.
    Bill Springer, Forbes.com, 25 July 2025
  • Since April 1, the Brown County Jail has housed at least 45 ICE detainees, according to its public jail rosters.
    Sophie Carson, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • The outdoor seating area can accommodate 36 people and features an outdoor bar top.
    Sydney Sasser, Charlotte Observer, 25 July 2025
  • Each launcher can accommodate either four or 16 interceptor missiles, depending on munition type.
    Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Case.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/case. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

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