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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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, in 2023 $400 million was appropriated through nonrecurring general revenue to acquire lands in the Ocala to Osceola (O2O) Wildlife Corridor. Sarah Gledhill, Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2025 The Solstice, for example, weighs 580 lb (263 kg), which is 33% less than a typical 90-kWh battery. New Atlas, 2 Mar. 2025 For example, Resilience — which is not flying a CLPS mission but will collect moon dirt under a separate NASA contract — is scheduled to make its landing try in late May or early June. Mike Wall, Space.com, 2 Mar. 2025 For example, episode six looks at Gary Woodland’s remarkable return to the sport after undergoing brain surgery in 2023. Ben Church, CNN, 2 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for example
Recent Examples of Synonyms for example
Noun
  • In some instances, those people would go on to become huge stars — like actor Rachel Weisz, who was on the cover in 1987 at the age of 17.
    Hikmat Mohammed, WWD, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The Profit Imperative: When Businesses Must Shift Focus While a people-centric approach is essential for long-term success, there are instances when businesses may feel compelled to shift focus toward profit-making, especially in highly competitive markets or during financial hardships.
    Raul Handa, Forbes, 5 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Once the brewing period was over, the scientists analyzed the water samples to see how the heavy metal levels had changed (if at all).
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2025
  • In either case, a PCR test on the sample can readily detect the virus’s genetic material.
    Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • The Blue Book will streamline the world of the books and real life, with scenes from Hilderbrand’s novels written in the 144-page guidebook alongside watercolor illustrations by artist Meredith Hanson, known for her paintings of Nantucket and local businesses on the island.
    Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
  • Watch the video below for an illustration of the changes.
    Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 27 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • Since the discovery of the feather and the London and Berlin specimens, additional Archaeopteryx fossils have emerged, all from the Solnhofen region.
    Scott Travers, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • To determine where each of the skulls had come from, the team first analysed the stable oxygen and strontium isotopes in the dental enamel of each of the specimens.
    Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025
Noun
  • When people hear about large groups of people in class action cases, those people are typically identified in the discovery process, where the business will produce information and documents identifying people who have been similarly harmed.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025
  • We won’t be bullied or intimidated by frivolous cases.
    Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Example.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/example. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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