example

noun

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

How to pronounce fər-ig-ˈzam-pəl (audio)

, 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

Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about example

Keep scrolling for more

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

Staples Center, for example, opened Oct. 17, 1999, with a Bruce Springsteen concert. — Los Angeles Times, "Taylor Swift to star in SoFi Stadium’s grand opening next July," 17 Sep. 2019 For example, beets and Swiss chard are wind pollinated and cross with each other. — oregonlive, "How to save seed from the garden for planting next year," 17 Sep. 2019 For example, both companies use the same third-party company to perform background checks on drivers, a system that has proven to be insufficient at times. — Sara Ashley O'brien, CNN, "Lyft hit by five more alleged sexual assault, rape cases in one day," 17 Sep. 2019 Former presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan all authored books after their terms ended, for example. — Jeanine Santucci, USA TODAY, "Donald Trump says Democrats should look into Barack and Michelle Obama's books, Netflix deals," 17 Sep. 2019 For example, in the River Hill school district — the high school with the county’s highest test scores — real estate signage advertises the school’s name alongside a million-dollar starting price. — baltimoresun.com, "Letters: Busing isn’t the answer to Howard schools’ disparity problem; and more from readers," 17 Sep. 2019 For example, the Harvard School of Public Health points out that the climate crisis is increasing children’s risk for developing pulmonary conditions, obesity, and heart disease. — Nylah Burton, Essence, "Isra Hirsi Wants You To Join The Climate Strike On September 20," 17 Sep. 2019 Boston wants to build a more resilient coastline, for example, and Houston has been transforming its bayou system with parks that can also manage flooding. — CBS News, "Storm-resistant parks are helping cities defend themselves against flooding," 17 Sep. 2019 For example, Biden said Corn Pop would insult Biden's mother to distract him so that people could sneak into the pool. — Fox News, "Biden, in resurfaced 2017 clip, recounts bizarre razor-and-chain showdown with 'bad dude' gang leader Corn Pop," 16 Sep. 2019

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.