example

noun

ig-ˈzam-pəl How to pronounce example (audio)
Definition of examplenext
as in instance
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like a war bonnet that is a fine example of Native American handicraft

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Synonym Chooser

How is the word example distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of example are case, illustration, instance, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could case be used to replace example?

While in some cases nearly identical to example, 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 illustration be a good substitute for example?

The meanings of illustration and example largely overlap; however, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Where would instance be a reasonable alternative to example?

In some situations, the words instance and example are roughly equivalent. However, instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When is sample a more appropriate choice than example?

Although the words sample and example have much in common, 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 example?

The words specimen and example can be used in similar contexts, 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 example For example, customers who use Tencent’s cloud in China may also buy the company’s services abroad. —Arjun Kharpal, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026 The decline of support for Britain’s royal family presents a striking example. —Sean Williams, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 Ribera has also been outspoken in her views on the current US administration, re-posting a statement by former US President Barack Obama criticizing federal agents’ actions in Minneapolis, for example, and lambasting the US for pulling out of climate agreements. —Suzanne Lynch, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 Its story is one of innovation and sustainability; the use of grape pomace is one of the earliest examples of upcycling ingredients. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
  1. instance
  2. sample
  3. illustration
  4. specimen
  5. case
Noun
  • None of these instances reflect sound judgment by the person charged with keeping our country safe.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Probably start by using softer AI personas and gradually inch your way to the later instances that fully test a therapist’s abilities.
    — Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Definition of instance
Noun
  • These tests typically involve a health care provider swabbing the inside of your nose or the back of your throat and sending the sample to a lab for analysis.
    — Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Some urine ketone test strips may come bundled with disposable cups that can make collecting your urine sample easier.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of sample
Noun
  • Or, are you drawn to bright colors, bold illustrations, and more of a maximalist vibe?
    — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Jan. 2026
  • Native American artists produce a vast array of art from jewelry and fashion to illustrations and bronzes; among that artwork, some is produced in a traditional style, others in radically contemporary styles.
    — Chadd Scott, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026
Definition of illustration
Noun
  • Currently on display within the Minerals and Earth Science Collection are toxic, radioactive specimens that could potentially kill people, as well as a meteorite that fell in Pennsylvania several years ago.
    — Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 21 Jan. 2026
  • Some of those specimens are not at the state health lab.
    — Joseph Choi, The Hill, 20 Jan. 2026
Definition of specimen
Noun
  • Manhattan prosecutors urged a judge on Wednesday to set a July trial date in Luigi Mangione's state murder case in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, two months before jury selection in his federal death penalty case.
    — MICHAEL R. SISAK THE ASSOCIATED PRESS, Arkansas Online, 29 Jan. 2026
  • In Short’s case, the flattening is particularly egregious, because the inchoate facts of her life are shoehorned into the obsessions of amateur sleuths who continue to get those facts wrong.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 29 Jan. 2026
Definition of case

Browse Nearby Words

examining
example
examples
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of example for Spanish Speakers

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