case

²case

noun

Definition of CASE

1

an individual awaiting or under medical care and treatment <her doctor wishes that all of his cases were as cooperative as she is>

Synonyms case

Related Words inpatient, outpatient; rehabilitant; sufferer, victim; convalescent, nursling

2

one of a group or collection that shows what the whole is like <this is a perfect case of people jumping to the wrong conclusion before all the facts are known>

Synonyms case, exemplar, exemplification, illustration, instance, prototype, representative, sample, specimen

Related Words archetype, classic, locus classicus, paradigm; cross section, microcosm; evidence, indication, manifestation, sign

3

something that actually exists <this has never been the case before>

Synonyms actuality, case, materiality, reality

Related Words certainty, inevitability; circumstance, event, occurrence, phenomenon; element, item, particular, thing

Near Antonyms eventuality, possibility, potentiality, probability

Antonyms fantasy (also phantasy), fiction, illusion

4

a statement given to explain a belief or act <you'll get a chance to make your case, but unless you're very convincing, your request will be denied>

Synonyms account, accounting, argument, case, explanation, rationale

Related Words alibi, apologia, apology, defense, excuse, justification, vindication; appeal, plea; guise, pretense (or pretence), pretext, rationalization

5

a sudden experiencing of a physical or mental disorder <a young boy suffering from a case of chicken pox>

Synonyms access, bout, case, fit, seizure, siege, spell, turn

Related Words recurrence, relapse; brainstorm, convulsion, eclampsia, pang, paroxysm, spasm, throe; agitation, frenzy; breakdown, collapse, prostration

Near Antonyms arrest, relief, remission

6

something that might happen <it may be the case that the cause of the fire will forever remain a mystery>

Synonyms case, contingence, contingency, contingent, eventuality, possibility

Related Words probability; accident, chance, hap, hazard, risk

7

something that requires thought and skill for resolution <that's a tough case to solve>

Synonyms case, challenge, knot, matter, nut, trouble

Related Words issue, question; corner, fix, hole, hot water, jam, mire, pickle, predicament, quagmire, spot; crux, Gordian knot, sticky wicket, toughie (also toughy); catch-22, dilemma, quandary; catch, glitch, hitch, pitfall, snag; conundrum, enigma, mystery, puzzle, puzzlement, riddle; brainteaser, perplexer, poser, stumper

Near Antonyms magic bullet, silver bullet; cure-all, panacea

Antonyms answer, solution