example

1 of 2

noun

ex·am·ple ig-ˈzam-pəl

Synonyms of example next

: one that serves as a pattern to be imitated or not to be imitated

a good example

: a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others

also : an individual so punished

: one that is representative of all of a group or type

: a parallel or closely similar case especially when serving as a precedent or model

: an instance (such as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate a rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of a rule

example

2 of 2

verb

exampled; exampling ig-ˈzam-p(ə-)liŋ

transitive verb

: to serve as an example of

archaic : to be or set an example to

Phrases

for example \ fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl

, frig- \

: as an example

there are many sources of air pollution; exhaust fumes, for example

Choose the Right Synonym for example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen 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

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

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

a typical example of bureaucratic waste

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

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation.

model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

never found a job that matched his ideal

Example Sentences

Noun He set a good example for the rest of us. She gave several examples to show that the program is effective. We've chosen three examples of contemporary architecture for closer study. a classic example of a Persian rug a fine example of the artist's work The dictionary includes thousands of examples. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In Beaverton, for example, 6,742 students out of about 40,000 finished the year owing money for meals, at a total cost to the district of $217,450, according to district data. —

oregonlive, 10 June 2023 No one is a better example of this than Brooke’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, fan favorite Lance (Josh Segarra). —

Phillip Maciak, The New Republic, 9 June 2023 Cotton, wool, and linen are natural fibers that come from either plants (cellulose) or animals (proteins), while polyester and nylon, for example, are synthesized in a lab. —

Barbara Bellesi Zito, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 June 2023 Notable ones from OpenAI, Google, Microsoft’s Azure Cognitive Services, and AWS are just a few examples. —

William Mougayar, Fortune Crypto, 9 June 2023 The federal indictment of former President Trump is another example of the weaponization of the Department of Justice against President Biden’s political enemies. —

Howard Koplowitz | Hkoplowitz@al.com, al, 9 June 2023 For example, given that several billion cell phones are in use around the globe, those devices not only record sounds and images but also gauge local magnetic fields and provide good geospatial and temporal calibration via GPS. —

Leonard David, Scientific American, 9 June 2023 The Helios crash is an example of hypoxia setting in slowly as an aircraft climbs. —

Gregory Wallace, CNN, 8 June 2023 For example, at coffee shops, fast-food restaurants, or banks. —

Fernando Cervantes Jr., The Arizona Republic, 8 June 2023

Verb

That’s a big reason why Reddit co-founder Ohanian, Angel City’s lead investor, is so bullish on the sport — though he, too, was primarily drawn by the opportunity and example the NWSL offered for his daughter, Alexis Olympia. —

Kevin Baxter, Los Angeles Times, 23 Mar. 2023 And three, which was probably more important than the first two, was to be able to example to our donors the impact that their money has across the diverse ecosystem of the arts in Dallas, supported by TACA. —

Dallas News, 4 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'example.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, from Anglo-French essample, example, from Latin exemplum, from eximere to take out, from ex- + emere to take — more at redeem

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of example was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century