instances 1 of 2

Definition of instancesnext
plural of instance
as in examples
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

instances

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of instance
1
2
3

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 instances
Noun
The United States Food and Drug Administration has noted a link between kava consumption and rare instances of liver damage, so moderation is recommended. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026 Republicans have lauded the measure as a reasonable way to prevent noncitizens from casting ballots, though instances of noncitizens voting are exceedingly rare. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 11 Feb. 2026 To review or object to instances where our partners assert a legitimate interest in utilizing your data, please visit our vendors page. Jazz Monroe, Pitchfork, 11 Feb. 2026 Backers of that state’s proof-of-citizenship law cited 39 instances of noncitizen registration over a period of 13 years. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 Feb. 2026 Court documents show Bevers alleged the city retaliated against him after his reports on the city’s procurement process revealed instances of wasteful spending. Devyani Chhetri, Dallas Morning News, 11 Feb. 2026 The Coast Guard hadn’t been able to find any instances of piracy in the area where Dad was. Emilee Coblentz, Outside, 11 Feb. 2026 In some instances, a dead plant might be dormant—and this is a very important distinction. Ashley Chalmers, The Spruce, 11 Feb. 2026 In many instances, the images were created by anonymous photographers and reproduced as postcards. Lianne Kolirin, CNN Money, 5 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for instances
Noun
  • Any internet user can play the role of researcher, with people submitting examples of infringement and LightBar’s small team of moderators verifying entries.
    Jake Kanter, Deadline, 11 Feb. 2026
  • The sale is one of the largest examples of a growing trend in California in which environmental groups and state agencies are helping tribes acquire ancestral lands, often centuries after they were forcibly removed.
    Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This new note asked for 1 Bitcoin, equivalent to about $70,000, and cites a legitimate Bitcoin address.
    Carlos Garcia, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2026
  • There are multiple conditions that can lead to overactive bladder, but the National Association for Continence cites diabetes, multiple sclerosis and the nerve damage that comes with these conditions as the main causes.
    BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Marsh mentions an old Catholic tradition that Fridays are a day of penance.
    Chad Murphy, Cincinnati Enquirer, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Among those files is an October 2011 email to Epstein, in which Gelernter mentions a software project to be built.
    Dan Mangan, CNBC, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The situation illustrates how decades after the devastating 1990s wars in the former Yugoslavia, the region lags behind the rest of Europe both economically and with regard to environmental protection.
    Eldar Emric, Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2026
  • Altman’s frustration perfectly illustrates how AI companies have driven themselves into a corner.
    Victor Tangermann, Futurism, 5 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • In the footage, the person approaches the front door, notices the camera and tries to cover the lens with their hand.
    Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Hart also shared that staying hydrated has been a challenge for her over the years, joking that her husband, musician Mark Wilkerson, notices her dislike for drinking water.
    Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 7 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Many ideas that were rejected in the past receive new life upon a surprising new observation; many ideas that are accepted today will be overthrown when a key experimental result demonstrates its insufficiency.
    Big Think, Big Think, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Securing the supply chain for these demonstrates Terra Innovatum’s manufacturing and deployment readiness.
    Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The bill specifies that the armed volunteers would be able to provide services on any property owned or leased by a religious institution, including property used for education.
    Lauren Costantino February 5, Miami Herald, 5 Feb. 2026
  • The listing typically specifies the max size and hookup situation.
    Outside, Outside, 4 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The front entrance also features the bronze sculpture Hands of Peace by Henry Azaz, which quotes a blessing in the Book of Numbers.
    Adam Harrington, CBS News, 10 Feb. 2026
  • Kimmel quotes from one popular manual, published in 1916, that advised quieting a crying baby by flipping it over and administering a vigorous spanking.
    Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

More from Merriam-Webster on instances

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!