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 For example, there was one called Miss Martin’s Business School. — Bill Kirby, ajc, "Meet the woman who started Augusta's 1st business school," 28 Mar. 2021 For example, Earthwise makes a corded dethatcher that performs double duty, clearing debris and piercing the earth with tines for aeration. — Melissa Nott, chicagotribune.com, "How to aerate your lawn," 28 Mar. 2021 During the meeting, Reisz said the new code has improved recent townhouse projects, for example, by limiting curb cuts for driveways. — Steven Litt, cleveland, "Critics want Cleveland to replace zoning code allowing controversial, oversized townhouses, ‘slot houses’," 28 Mar. 2021 At the Hispanic Health Council site, for example, the community group’s staff provides the patients, while Hartford HealthCare supplies the vaccine. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "Lagging in COVID-19 vaccinations, Hartford steps up campaign to reach city residents," 28 Mar. 2021 Leiden said the biotech industry, for example, needs more lab technicians, not necessarily more PhDs. — BostonGlobe.com, "New chairman of Mass. Competitive Partnership aims to use its power to reshape local economy," 28 Mar. 2021 In Hawaii, for example, tiger sharks swim close to shore in the late summer and early fall to give birth, Cunningham says. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, "11 Tips to Keep You Safe From Sharks, According to a Shark Safety Diver," 28 Mar. 2021 In Florida, for example, mail voting had historically been a program that Republican voters took more advantage of. — ABC News, "'This Week' Transcript 3-28-21: White House Communications Director Kate Bedingfield, Sen. Dan Sullivan," 28 Mar. 2021 For example, Carrizo Springs has young boys from 13 to 17. — CBS News, "Transcript: Rep. Henry Cuellar on "Face the Nation," March 28, 2021," 28 Mar. 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.