example

noun

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ex·am·ple | \ ig-ˈzam-pəl

Definition of example

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

2 : a punishment inflicted on someone as a warning to others also : an individual so punished

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

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

5 : 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

for example \ fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl

, frig- \

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

example

verb

exampled; exampling\ ig-ˈzam-p(ə-)liŋ

Definition of example (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

1 : to serve as an example of

2 archaic : to be or set an example to

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Choose the Right Synonym for example

Noun

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

Examples of example in a Sentence

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.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun One state employee, lined up by SEBAC to comment to The Courant Friday, said the state incentive program is an example of how employees in both the private and public sectors should be encouraged to get vaccinated against COVID-19. — Jon Lender, courant.com, "Jon Lender: State employees who get COVID-19 vaccinations outside work hours are granted comp time; private companies also offering incentives," 10 Apr. 2021 The monarch butterfly is an example of a greatest-needs animal whose numbers continue to dwindle to what many would call a crisis level but are without federal or Wisconsin state protections. — Jennifer Rude Klett, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "What you can do in your yard to help Wisconsin's endangered species," 8 Apr. 2021 But what if this is simply an example of cherry-picking historical data? — Brad Thomas, Forbes, "Why REIT Investors Don't Need To Fear Inflation," 8 Apr. 2021 While the request relies on citations of crimes the court already addresses, the lawyers who submitted it have said the case is also an example of ecocide. — NBC News, "'Ecocide' movement pushes for a new international crime: Environmental destruction," 7 Apr. 2021 Carroll County teen, Emily Stillings is an example of how an individual can make a significant gift and inspire their community. — baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "Through Girl Scouts project, teen raises $4K to support Carroll County Public Library," 7 Apr. 2021 Android is an example of open-source software as are the Linux operating systems, the Firefox browser, the platform that supports digital currency Ether and the Python computer language. — Angus Loten, WSJ, "Supreme Court Decision Affirms Open-Source’s Role in Modern Software Development," 7 Apr. 2021 And just look at Goya for an example of liberals’ revenge. — Los Angeles Times, "Essential Politics: In the voting rights debate, Georgia gets a jolt from big business," 7 Apr. 2021 Thornton and Brown need only watch former players, such as Grant and Robinson, take part in last week’s Pro Day for an example of what hard work can get you. — Matt Murschel, orlandosentinel.com, "Young UCF cornerbacks forced to grow up fast after challenging 2020 season," 5 Apr. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'example.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.