INSTANCE Synonyms: 110 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How is the word 'instance' distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case , example , illustration , sample , and specimen . While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain. // an instance of history repeating itself

Q: When could 'case' be used to replace 'instance'?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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

Q: When might 'example' be a better fit than 'instance'?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case. // a typical example of bureaucratic waste

Q: When can 'illustration' be used instead of 'instance'?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement. // a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

Q: When is it sensible to use 'sample' instead of 'instance'?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Q: Where would 'specimen' be a reasonable alternative to 'instance'?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available. // one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

instance 1 of 2

noun

ˈin(t)-stən(t)s

Definition of instance next

as in example

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this is just one instance of his repeated failure to do what he promised

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

instance

2 of 2

verb

as in to cite

to give as an example instanced one particular incident as an illustration of their penchant for practical jokes

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in to mention

to make reference to or speak about briefly but specifically instanced the latest astronomical research in her presentation on measuring star magnitude

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to illustrate

to show or make clear by using examples instanced the hero's moral courage with several examples from the novel

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word instance distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of instance are case, example, illustration, sample, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

an instance of history repeating itself

When could case be used to replace instance?

Although the words case and instance have much in common, 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 might example be a better fit than instance?

The meanings of example and instance largely overlap; however, example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When can illustration be used instead of instance?

In some situations, the words illustration and instance are roughly equivalent. However, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When is it sensible to use sample instead of instance?

The words sample and instance can be used in similar contexts, but 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

Where would specimen be a reasonable alternative to instance?

While the synonyms specimen and instance are close in meaning, 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 instance

Noun

Their new manager, who was a Padres relief pitcher during much of the recent turmoil and a behind-the-scenes observer for other instances, is anti-drama at his core. —

Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 Feb. 2026 Since its inception, the DGA has correctly predicted the Academy Award winner for best director in all but eight instances. —

Michael Schneider, Variety, 8 Feb. 2026

Verb

Topics under discussion included changes in the industry over the last decade, instanced by the rise of digital and gaming, audience fragmentation, and the emergence of disruptive technologies such as AI. —

Liza Foreman, Variety, 14 Oct. 2023 But there’s been plenty of room for errors and hallucinations, instances when chatbots like ChatGPT have concocted inaccurate—and sometimes worrying—answers to questions. —

Joseph Abrams, Fortune, 6 Oct. 2023 See All Example Sentences for instance

Recent Examples of Synonyms for instance

Noun

Whole fruit, for example, behaves very differently than cookies or candy.

— Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 11 Feb. 2026
In Major League Baseball, for example, a pitcher recovering from a torn ulnar collateral ligament in the elbow may be unable to load that arm for up to two months following surgery.

— Dana Santas, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

Definition of example

Browse Nearby Words

installs

instance

instanced

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Style

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

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Last Updated: 15 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of instance

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