sample 1 of 2

noun

ˈsam-pəl How to pronounce sample (audio)
Definition of samplenext
1
as in sampling
a number of things selected from a group to stand for the whole based on a sample of the menu items, we decided that this was the best restaurant in town

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in example
one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like this vase is a sample of the high-quality glassware that the glassblowers can produce

Synonyms & Similar Words

sample

2 of 2

verb

as in to test
to put (something) to a test sampled the soup to see if it tasted good

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How is the word sample distinct from other similar nouns?

Some common synonyms of sample are case, example, illustration, instance, and specimen. While all these words mean "something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category," 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 is case a more appropriate choice than sample?

While in some cases nearly identical to sample, 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 can example be used instead of sample?

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

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

When could illustration be used to replace sample?

Although the words illustration and sample have much in common, illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

When might instance be a better fit than sample?

In some situations, the words instance and sample 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

In what contexts can specimen take the place of sample?

The synonyms specimen and sample 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 sample
Noun
Do customer ratings matter more, or the sample work? —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2025 The lander’s primary objective will be to collect samples in an area scientists believe could be stocked with water ice. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 27 Feb. 2025
Verb
Safe Makeup Testing For those who still want to sample makeup before purchasing, there are some safer ways to test. —Mark Joseph, Newsweek, 24 Feb. 2025 The system was less familiar but Slot experimented with a similar setup in pre-season and even sampled it during their 3-2 Carabao Cup victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in October. —Sam Lee, The Athletic, 23 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sample
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sample
  1. sampling
  2. example
  3. test
  4. specimen
Noun
  • Some of the money goes to local fishing guides for water sampling and other work, according to FWC.
    — Curt Anderson, Sun Sentinel, 5 Mar. 2025
  • Full certainty might require drill sampling and fire assays.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 27 Feb. 2025
Definition of sampling
Noun
  • For example, for a recent vintage, Pommier collaborated with French jazz composer Franck Tortiller, who then created an album inspired by the world of wine.
    — Rachel King, Forbes, 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
Definition of example
Verb
  • The woman, from China’s Yongzhou City, was diagnosed with anemia and stomach inflammation, and tested positive for a bacterial stomach infection.
    — Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Mar. 2025
  • Your local cooperative extension has more information and kits on testing your soil professionally.
    — Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 8 Mar. 2025
Definition of test
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
  • Some Pokemon creatures are capable of evolving into more powerful specimens, while others can undergo other types of changes.
    — BestReviews, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025
Definition of specimen

Browse Nearby Words

sample
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on sample

Nglish: Translation of sample for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

More Commonly Misspelled Words

Words You Always Have to Look Up
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things
See More

Popular Features

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
girl-pencil-test
Challenging Standardized Test Words Quiz Vol. 3 You’re on your own for the math section.
See All